fVN>>K«;?«K-.>j.\«.';N 


UBRARY 

University  of  Californl] 

IRVINE 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2008  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/athanasiusmysterOOhoba 


ATHANASIUS 


The  Saint  Agnes'  Mystery  Plays 


LADY  CATECHISM  AND  THE  CHILD 

THE     LITTLE     PILGRIMS     AND     THE     BOOK 
BELOVED 

THE  VISION  OF  SAINT  AGNES'  EVE 

ATHANASIUS 


ATII.WASILS,  ARCPIUEACOX  OF  ALEXANDRIA. 


ATHANASIUS 

A    MYSTERY    PLAY 

IN    THREE    ACTS    AND 
A    PROLOGUE 


BY 

MARIE  E.  J.  HOBART 

Author  of  the  Saint  Agnes   Mystery  Plays 


LONGMANS,    GREEN,    AND    CO 

FOURTH  AVENUE   &  30TH   STREET,  NEW  YORK 

LONDON,    BOMBAY,    AND    CALCUTTA 

I9II 


COPYRIGHT,      I9II,      BY 
MARIE      J.     HOBART 


THE*  PLIMPTON-  PRESS 

[ W- D-O] 
NORWOOD  •  MASS  •  U  •  S"  A 


DEDICATED 

TO 

ROSAMOND  AND   CHARLES 

LOVELY    AND    PLEASANT    IN    THEIR    LIVES,    AND 

IN    THEIR    DEATH    THEY    WERE 

NOT    DIVIDED 


LIST   OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

1 .  Athanasius,  Archdeacon  of  Alexandria. 

2.  "A  simple  pageant,  but  instinct  with  life,  I  now 

will  cause  to  pass  before  their  eyes." 

3.  "I   give   myself  to   thee,  O    Christ,   to    be   gov- 

erned by  Thy  laws." 

4.  "And  how  were  ye  not  afraid  to  play  with  the 

holy  mysteries?" 

5.  "From  this  hour  thou  art  my  son,  my  consolation, 

and  the  strength  of  mine  old  age." 

6..  "Arius,  thou  hast  filled  up  the  measure  of  thine 
iniquity!" 

7.   "God  keep  thee  ever  in  the  true  faith." 


Vll 


ATHANASIUS 


PROLOGUE 

IN  THE  TWILIGHT 


Angel  of  Faith. 
Angel  of  Loyalty. 


The  Guardian  Angels  of  the  Parish. 


Angel  of  Vision.  —  The  Guardian  Angel  of  Athanasius. 

[Enter  from  the  opposite  sides  of  the  stage  the  Angel 
of  Faith  and  the  Angel  of  Loyalty.  They  advance  till 
they  meet  in  front  of  the  curtain  just  where  it  is  to 
parti] 

Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  Spirit  of  Faith,  sweet  messenger 

of  Him 
Who  hath  ordained  our  service  here  in  earth 
This  flock  of  His  to  succour  and  defend, 
Where  hast  thou  been  to-day?    What  hast  thou 

done 
Since  at  the  gates  of  Paradise  the  blest 
We  met  the  ghmmering  dawn,  and   through  its 

rays 
To  earth  returned  and  to  our  sev'ral  tasks? 
3 


ATHANASIUS 

Angel   of  Faith.  —  Hear    then,    thou    golden-hearted 

Loyalty, 
The  record  of  this  latest  happy  day, 
Happy  as  every  day  spent  for  our  God, 
To  serve  Whom  is  to  reign  and  freely  live. 
When  we  from  this  earth  perilous  had  borne 
To  the  Good  Shepherd's  arms  that  chrisom-child, 
And  seen  those  violet  eyes  open  to  meet 
His  smile  of  welcome  and  of  love  divine. 
Winged  we  our  flight  back  to  the  earth,  then  I 
Back  to  that  home  bereaved  of  all  its  joy. 
I  knelt  beside  the  Mother  sorrowful. 
And  held  before  her  weeping  eyes  the  Cross, 
And  when  she  saw  its  outline  through  her  tears. 
To  the  sword-pierced  heart  I  whispered  low: 
*' Remember  that  He  said  'Thou  knowst  not  now 
This  that  I  do,  hereafter  thou  shalt  know.' 
Canst  thou  not  trust  Him  since  He  bids  thee 

trust .? 
Wilt  thou  not  trust  Him  since  He  died  for  thee.?" 
And  then  that  broken  heart  was  drawn  to  Him 
Who  draws  the  suffering  world  by  His  own  love. 
"Yea,  Lord,"  she  said,   "I   trust  the  child  to 

Thee; 
I  trust  Thee  with  my  sorrow  and  my  hope." 

4 


ATHANASIUS 

So  through  the  day's  first  hours  I  Hngered  near 
To  hold  the  Cross  where  she  must  ever  see, 
Till  grown  more  calm  and  strong  she  took  the 

Cross 
Into  her  heart  never  to  let  it  go. 

Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  Now  God   be   praised   for  every 
human  soul 
That  learns  by  Jesus'  Cross  to  bear  its  own! 
Angel  of  Faith,  what  didst  thou  next? 

Angel  of  Faith.  —  I  heard 

Borne  on  the  autumn  breeze  melodious  bells 
Calling  our  people  to  their  Eucharist. 
Thither  I  went  to  join  with  theirs  my  praise, 
To  help  them  lift  their  hearts  unto  the  Lord, 
To  warm  their  cold  devotions  and  to  check 
The  alien  thoughts  blown  in  by  Satan's  breath, 
A  flock  of  robber  birds  to  steal  the  seed 
Lest  it  should  fall  on  fertile  soil  and  live. 
The  service  ended,  I  was  sent  to  help 
A  student  errant  who  had  started  out 
At  Wisdom's  high  behest,  but  lost  his  way. 
Confused  with  shifting  theories,  dulled  with  din 
Of  jangling  voices  urging  him  to  run 
Hither  and  yon  to  hear  of  some  new  thing, 
And  following  these  Athenian  voices,  strayed 
5 


ATHANASIUS 

Into  a  miry  path,  dark  with  dense  fog, 
And  sHppery  with  old  deceits  and  new. 
Here  in  this  vap'rous  air  loomed  fearsome  shapes 
Of  doubt  and  mocking  unreality. 
But  should  he  try  to  escape  these  shadows  grim. 
The  danger  was  that  he  might  miss  his  step. 
And  plunging  headlong  o'er  a  precipice 
Strike  the  flat  stones  of  dead  materialism. 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  A  dreary,  flinty  death-bed   for  a 

soul 
Made   in  God's  image,   filled  with  God's  own 

breath 
To  make  him  heir  potential  of  God's  life! 
Spirit  of  Faith,  my  ready  ear  would  learn 
How  thou  didst  win  this  wanderer  deceived 
Back  to  the  sunlight  in  the  Fold  of  Truth. 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  To  call  back  to  the  fold  is  there  a 

charm 
As  sweet  and  potent  as  the  Shepherd's  voice. 
The  well  remembered  voice  of  happier  days.f* 
Low  to  his  inner  consciousness  I  spoke 
Full  tenderly  the  Master's  parting  words: 
"Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  weary  one. 
Believe  in  God,  also  believe  in  me." 
At  this  the  fog  rolled  back  like  red  sea  waves, 
6 


ATHANASIUS 

Doubt  and  the  other  phantom  disappeared. 

"I  know  not  what's  befallen,"  cried  the  youth; 

"One  thing  I  know  that  whereas  I  was  blind 

Once  more  I  see.     I  do  believe  in  God, 

And  Saviour  dear,  also  in  Thee,  in  Thee! 

I  will  arise,  I  will  arise  and  go 

Back  to  my   Father's  house.     Once  more  my 

prayers, 
Too  long  forgotten,  shall  ascend  to  Heaven; 
Once  more  before  His  altar  I  will  kneel 
To  make  my  glad  Communion,  and  once  more 
My  Bible  from  its  dusty  shelf  released 
Shall  be  the  first  companion  of  each  day; 
So  shall  I  follow  Wisdom's  high  behest 
In  reverent  fear  and  not  in  wilfulness." 
Angel    of    Loyalty.  —  O    true    repentance!     O    sincere 

return! 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  When  I  had  offered  this  sweet  rue 

to  God 
And  caught  afar  the  shout  of  Heaven's  joy. 
And  answered  it  with  mine,  I  came  to  thee, 
Angel  of  Loyalty,  to  whom  God  gives 
The  high  prerogative  to  move  and  mould 
The  mighty  ones  and  valiant  among  men, 
Heroes  who  dare,  and  martyrs  who  endure. 

7 


ATHANASIUS 

0  loyal  one  and  true,  I  fain  would  learn 

How  thou  hast  served  our  God  and  succour  given 
To  this  household  of  faith  so  dear  to  Him, 
Since  through  the  gates  of  Paradise  the  blest 
And  through  the  pearly  splendour  of  the  dawn 
We  winged  our  flight  to  earth  at  God's  command. 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  My  day  was  given  to  a  little  lad, 
One  of  our  flock  who's  lately  gone  from  home. 

1  found  him  in  the  early  morning  hour 
Still  in  the  dormitory  of  his  school, 

The  subtile  Tempter  whispering  in  his  ear, 

"Why  kneel  to  pray.?  The  other  boys  will  smile, 

Stand  by  the  open  window  there  and  lift 

Thy  heart  to  God,  and  no  one  else  will  know." 

Often  on  Memory's  vivid  art  I  call 

To  waken  loyalty,  for  I  have  seen 

Disloyalty  come  like  base  ingratitude 

From  that  narcotic  root,  forgetfulness. 

So  when  from  the  open  window  looked  the  child, 

Nor  field  he  saw,  nor  the  blue  distant  hills, 

But  the  interior  of  his  parish  church. 

And  it  was  Easter  Even,  and  round  the  font 

Were  gathered  catechumens  among  whom 

Our  little  lad  seemed  to  himself  to  stand 

As  once  he  stood  on  his  baptismal  day. 


ATHANASIUS 

Within  the  aisles  and  arches  of  the  church 
The  shadows  of  Good  Friday  Hngered  still, 
But  near  the  altar  stately  lilies  bloomed, 
And  in  the  spacious  chancel  myriad  flowers 
Waited  in  fragrance  sweet  for  Easter  Day. 
And  now  a  low  pitched  voice  but  clarion  clear 
Speaks   from    the  font   the   Church's   welcome 

sweet, 
Telling  the  child  the  sacred  sign  here  given 
Is  token  that  forever  more  he  lives 
Christ's  faithful  soldier.     Marked  I  then  a  thrill 
Pass  through  the  boy,  and  saw  in  his  blue  eyes 
Kindle  a  light,  "A  soldier  who's  ashamed 
Of  his  own  captain  or  his  colours  true 
Is  not  the  kind  of  soldier  I  will  be." 
He  turned,  knelt  by  his  little  bed,  and  said 
With  steadfast  heart  his  daily  morning  prayer. 
The  bafiled  Tempter  winced  and  shrank  away. 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  Thanks  be  to  God  for  this  sweet 

victory. 
Which  in  its  essence  pure  is  only  part 
Of  the  one  triumph  over  sin  and  death 
Wrought  for  the  world  by  Christ  on  Easter  Morn. 
So  is  one  crystal  drop  the  miniature 
And  part  essential  of  the  boundless  sea. 

9 


ATHANASIUS 

Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  Yet  for  a  space  I  still  my  vigil  kept 
Close  to  the  little  victor,  lest  that  he 
Should  lay  his  armour  by  and  thus  be  found 
Defenceless  by  the  ever  watchful  foe. 

Angel  of  Faith.  —  All  Angels  know  the  hour  of  victory 
Hath  its  peculiar  danger  and  doth  call 
For  vigilance  in  those  that  watch. 

Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  So  'twas 

That  I  came  late  upon  a  festive  scene. 
Music  and  mirth  and  fragrance  of  sweet  flowers, 
And  a  soft  radiance  filled  the  quivering  air. 
A  word  had  just  been  lightly  spoken  which 
Perverting  wit  from  its  right  use  had  cast 
The  shadow  of  a  slur  on  holy  things. 
With  heart  perplexed  the  mistress  of  the  house 
Asked  of  her  conscience,  "What  ought  I  to  do?" 
I  breathed,  "Thou  art  His  witness  among  men; 
Before  the  company  of  heaven  one  day 
Thy  witness  He  will  be. "     With  courteous  mien 
She  said  her  quiet  word.     The  air  was  cleared 
At  once,  and  every  breast  relieved,  for  look! 
Of  human  nature  reverence  is  a  part. 
And  lack  of  it  doth  cut  across  the  grain. 
Marring  the  finish  and  the  pattern  fair. 
And  doth  not  one  of  their  own  poets  sing 

lO 


ATHANASIUS 

That  mockery  is  the  fume  of  little  hearts? 
But  see,  my  fellow  guardian  of  the  fold, 
The  sun  hath  passed  his  zenith  long  ago, 
And  twilight  deepens.     Now's  the  quiet  hour 
When  weary  mortals  rest  them  from  their  toils, 
And  thoughtful  ones  turn  from  the  throbbing 

world 
To  find  in  reverie  new  light  and  peace. 
Can  we  not  sweet  advantage  take  of  this 
Rare  silence  and  receptive  mood  to  bring 
Within  the  orbit  of  their  souls  some  truth. 
Some  vivid  truth  displayed  with  radiance 
Of  power  and  beauty  irresistible. 
That  it  may  win  their  fealty  and  love 
Forever  more  ? 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  Thy  words  awake  in  me 

A    thought    that    long    has    slumbered    in    my 

heart. 
And  as  the  lotus  sleeping  in  the  Nile 
Awoke  and  floated  slowly  to  the  day. 
Drawn  by  the  charm  of  Joseph's  loveliness. 
So  from  the  deep  of  my  still  consciousness 
This  thought  ascends  to  meet  thy  fruitful  words. 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  Let   thy  white  flower  unfold   its 

petals  pure. 

II 


ATHANASIUS 

Angel  of  Faith.  —  Thou  know'st  that  in  the  wisdom  of 

God's  plan 
For  these  His  children  of  the  human  race 
That  they  are  Hnked  by  many  subtle  cords 
Of  mutual  influence,  so  interwov'n 
That  no  one  lives  or  dies  unto  himself. 
If  one  has  faith  the  sweet  contagion  spreads, 
If  one  is  loyal  others  catch  the  glow, 
And  God  ordains  that  man  is  holpen  best 
By  one  of  his  own  nature,  man  by  man. 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  Have  we  not  seen  that  the  eternal 

Word 
Man  to  deliver  very  man  was  made  ? 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  So  pondering  often  have  I  wished 

that  we 
To  quicken  faith  and  loyalty  and  zeal 
In  this  fair  garden  of  the  Lord,  might  find 
Some  great  and  shining  light  of  human  faith 
To    hold    before     them     till     they    catch    the 

flame. 
Then  would  their  lamps  burn  the  night  through 

until 
The    Bridegroom    comes,    and    they   would    be 

immune 
From  the  miasma  that  o'erhangs  these  days, 

12 


1 


ATHANASIUS 

The  plague  of  doubt  and  wavering  loyalty. 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  I  have  thy  purpose  and  with  full 

consent 
I  lend  me  to  such  fruitful  work.     Nay  more, 
I  see  the  one  among  the  sons  of  men 
Who's  mirrored   in   thy  thought.    'Tis  he  who 

stood 
Alone  against  the  world,  a  granite  peak, 
While  raging  waves  of  the  sea  foamed  out  their 

shame, 
And    wandering    stars    drew    in    their    baneful 

wake 
The  sore  amazed  and  groaning  Bride  of  Christ. 
Angel  of  Faith.  —  'Tis  even  so.     Now  straightway  let 

us  call 
Upon  his  angel,  and  swift  counsel  take 
How  best  we  may  this  matter  enterprise. 
Hail  Vision!    pure  in  heart  and  therefore  blest 
With  sight  of  God !  We  invoke  thy  present  aid. 

[Enter  the  Angel  of  Vision.] 

Angel  of  Vision.  —  Glory  to  God  on  high ! 
Angels  of  Faith  and  Loyalty.  —  And  peace  on  earth ! 
Angel  of  Vision.  —  Ye  angels  of  the  Lord,  praise  ye 
the  Lord ! 

13 


ATHANASIUS 

Angels  of  Faith  and  Loyalty.  —  We  magnify  His  name 
forever  more ! 

[A  pause.] 

Angel  oj  Loyalty.  —  Where  found  our  voices  thee,  O 
blessed  one, 
Whence    art    thou    come    with    instant    sweet 
response  ? 
Angel  of  Vision.  —  From  the  pure  ether  of  the  upper 
air 
And  from  the  cloudless  region  of  the  stars, 
From  the  vast  temple  of  the  Universe 
Where  floated  I  in  contemplation  free, 
Adoring  our  Creator  with  each  breath. 
At   your  behest  on   the  wings  of  the  wind   I 

come. 
Now  tell  me,  ye  that  do  excel  in  strength. 
That  hear  His  words  and  His  commands  obey, 
How  may  my  love  the  King  of  Glory  serve  ? 
How  may  my  service  glorify  the  Lord  of  Hosts .? 
Angel  of  Loyalty.  —  By  ministering  to  His  dear  chil- 
dren here. 
For  are  we  not  sent  forth  to  minister. 
And  help  salvation's  heirs  upon  their  way? 
Time  was,  O  Angel  of  the  starry  eyes, 

14 


ATHANASIUS 

That  to  thy  guardian  care  a  child  was  given, 
Who  by  his  faith  and  love  through  storm-swept 

years 
Stood  out,  defender  of  the  Church's  faith. 
Him  to  our  people  would  we  now  make  known, 
That  seeing  his  firm  faith  and  courage  high, 
They  following  his  example  may  attain 
To  such  a  faith  as  shall  o'ercome  the  world. 
Angel  of  Vision.  —  Yours  is  a  righteous  purpose,  and 

I  yield 
My  willing  service  to  secure  the  end. 
A  simple  pageant,  but  instinct  with  life, 
I  now  will  cause  to  pass  before  their  eyes. 
Draw  back  this  veil;  give  me  a  space  to  show 
My  royal-hearted  Athanese.^ 

[The  Angels  of  Faith  and  Loyalty  draw  back  the  cur- 
tc^in.  The  quays  of  Alexandria  are  seen,  showing  in 
the  background  the  harbour,  with  shipping,  and  in  the 
distance  the  Island  of  Pharos  with  the  light  house.] 

Ye  see 
Before  you  ancient  Alexandria. 
Yonder's  the  city,  sweltering  in  the  heat 
Of  Egypt's  burning  sun.     Here's  the  salt  sea 

^  Royal-hearted  A  thanes  e.      Newman:   Lyra  Apostolica. 

IS 


ATHANASIUS 

Whence  wanton  breezes  find  their  languid  way 
To  play  about  the  quays.     Just  so  it  was 
A  far-off  day  in  June.     Now  I  will  call 
Young  Athanese.    Come  hither,  my  sweet  ward ; 
God    hath    ordained    that    here    thou    play'st 
to-day. 


i6 


y  -J-. 


y. 


ACT  I 

Time  —  Early  in  the  Fourth  Century.     A  Day  in  June. 
Place  —  The  quays  of  Alexandria. 

Persons  EepresenteD 


Boys  of  Alexandria. 


Athanasius. 
Cornelius. 
Isidore. 
Serapion. 

Alexander.  —  Bishop  of  Alexandria  and  Metropolitan 

of  all  Egypt. 
Paul.  —  A  Deacon. 

[Enter  Athanasius,  reading  from  a  scroll] 
Athanasius.  —  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and 
the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was 
God.  {Lifting  his  eyes  and  speaking  with 
dreamy  thoughtfulness.)  In  the  beginning! 
How  far  away!  My  thought  cannot  reach 
to  it  nor  hold  it.  In  the  beginning!  Before 
I  was,  .  .  .  before  my  father  was,  .  .  . 
before  the  sea  and  the  stars  were,  .  .  . 
17 


ATHANASIUS 

before  time  was!     No,  I  cannot  reach  to 
it.     When  I  try  to  understand  I  am  beaten 
back  hke  that  bird  which  flies  against  the 
wind.     {His  eyes  follow  the  bird.)     Yet   it 
stretches  its  wings  and  tries  again,  and  so 
do  I,  even  though  I  may  never  reach  that 
far-away  beginning.     I   wonder  if  anyone 
really  understands  what  In  the   beginning 
means.     I  wonder  if  the  Archbishop  under- 
stands!    How  should  he.^     He  was  not  in 
the    beginning.     {With    deep    awe.)     Only 
God!   Only  God!   And  the  Word  was  God. 
{Remains  lost  in  thought.) 
[During  this  time  he  has  seated  himself  on  a  bench  at 
the  extreme  right  of  the  stage.     He  does  not  see  or  hear 
the  boys  when  they  enter,  but  is  completely  absorbed 
in  thought.     Sometimes  he  reads  and  sometimes  thinks 
over  what  he  has  read.] 

[Enter  Cornelius,  followed  by  Isidore  and  Serapion.] 
Cornelius.  —  Here  is  a  quiet  place  where  we  may  play. 
{Shakes  a  dice  cup  that  he  has  in  his  hand.) 
How  much  hast  thou,  Isidore  .f* 
Isidore.  —  I  have  a  sesterce.     {Lays  it  down.) 
Cornelius.  —  I  also.     {Lays  down  a  coin.)     And   thou, 
Serapion .? 

i8 


ATHANASIUS 

Serapion.  —  I   have   three   asses,   but  .   .   .    {Looks  at 

them  in  his  hand.) 
Cornelius.  —  But  what? 
Serapion.  —  If  I  should  lose  them,  Cornehus,  I  would 

go  supperless  to  bed. 
Cornelius.  —  And  if  thou  didst  go  supperless  to  bed! 

Art   thou   a   mewling   infant?     Dost   thou 

not  wish  to  be  a  man  and  a  soldier? 
Serapion  {doubtfully) .  —  Ye — s. 
Cornelius. — Thou  must  learn  to  endure  hunger;  put 

down  thy  coins. 
Isidore.  —  Thou    art    too    hard    on    him,    Cornelius. 

Listen,   Serapion:  If  thou  dost  lose  I  will 

share  my  supper  with  thee,  and  so  we  will 

neither  of  us  be  very  full  nor  very  empty. 
Serapion.  —  Then    I    will   put  down    my    coins.     {He 

does    so.)     I    can    endure    to    be    a    little 

hungry. 
Cornelius.  —  I  throw  first  because  I  am  the  oldest. 
Isidore.  —  But  thou  art  not  the  oldest. 
Cornelius.  —  Then    I     throw    first    because    I    am    a 

Roman. 
Isidore.  — Ah!  that  is  a  good  reason. 

{Cornelius  throws,  and  just  as  he  does  so,  he 

looks  up  and  sees  Athanasius.] 

19 


ATHANASIUS 

Cornelius.  —  Look !    is  not  that  Athanasius  ?     {Calls.) 

Athanasius! 

[Athanasius  does  not  hear.] 
Isidore.  —  Athanasius ! 

[Still  Athanasius  does  not  hear.] 
Cornelius,  Isidore   and   Serapion   in   unison.  —  A-tha- 

na-sius ! 
[Athanasius  starts  and  rolls  up  his  scroll.] 
Athanasius.  —  Did  anyone  call  ? 
Isidore.  — Thou  dreamer! 
Cornelius   (mocking).  —  "Did   anyone   call?"     We  all 

three  called. 
[Athanasius  comes  toward  them  smiling.] 
Athanasius.  —  Well,  then,  what  is  it? 
Cornelius.  —  Wilt  thou  play  with  us? 
Athanasius.  —  Aye,  verily,  so  that  ye  play  what  pleases 

me. 
Cornelius.  —  We  are  dicing.     Hast  thou  a  sesterce? 
Athanasius.  —  I  will  not  play  dice. 
Cornelius.  —  And  why  not  ? 

Athanasius.  —  Because  it  is  not  a  good  pastime. 
Isidore.  —  Thou    art    mad,    Athanasius,    everyone    in 

Alexandria  plays  dice. 
Athanasius.  —  That  does  not  make  it  right. 
Isidore.  —  How  now,  wilt  thou  set  thyself  above  thy 

20 


ATHANASIUS 

native  city,  above  our  great  and  beautiful 
Alexandria? 

Athanasius.  —  I  have  said  my  say,  Isidore,  I  will  not 
play. 

Cornelius.  —  But  why? 

Athanasius.  —  I  have  already  told  thee:  because  it  is 
not  a  good  game;  thou  knowest  it  leads 
to  waste  of  time  and  squandering  of  money, 
and  to  many  brawls  and  even  crimes. 

Cornelius.  —  Listen,  Athanasius,  thou  dost  not  under- 
stand. {Impressively.)  They  play  dice  in 
Rome!  I  know  whereof  I  speak.  Every- 
one plays,  the  nobles,  the  ladies,  above  all, 
the  soldiers,  —  I  have  often  seen  them  play 
in  the  Palace  gardens  when  I  was  with  my 
father.  Nay,  Caesar  himself  doth  often 
play  in  his  tent  to  while  away  the  tedium 
of  his  inactive  hours. 

Athanasius.  —  Still,  that  does  not  make  it  right,  Cor- 

^  nelius. 

[The  boys  laugh.] 

Isidore.  —  So  then,  neither  our  great  Alexandria,  nor 
even  Rome,  nor  even  the  Emperour  himself 
can  make  a  thing  right  when  Athanasius 
says  that  it  is  wrong.     Silly  boy,  at  this 

21 


ATHANASIUS 

rate  thou  wilt  one  day  find  thyself  against 
the  whole  world. 

Cor7ielius.  —  Athanasius  against  the  world! 

Serapion.  —  Yes,  Athanasius  against  the  world ! 

Isidore.  —  How  wouldst  thou  like  that? 

Athanasius  {to  himself).  —  But  if  the  world  were  wrong 
and  I  wished  to  do  right,  I  could  not  help 
myself.     I  would  have  to  be  against  it. 

Cornelius.  —  Come,  answer,  what  wouldst  thou  do 
alone  against  the  world,  thou  little  Atha- 
nasius.'' 

Vision  {who  has  drawn  near^  speaking  behind  Athanasius 
to  his  inner  consciousness ,  but  remaining  in- 
visible).—  Lift  up  thine  eyes,  Athanasius, 
and  consider.  If  the  world  were  against 
thee,  and  thou  wert  in  the  right,  wouldst 
thou  be  alone.? 

Athanasius  {to  himself). —  I  see,  I  see.  If  I  were  in 
the  right,  God  himself  would  always  be 
with  me.  {To  the  boys.)  Against  the  world 
Athanasius  could  do  nothing,  but  against 
the  world  Athanasius  and  God  could  do 
everything. 
[The  boys  look  at  each  other  perplexed.] 

Isidore.  —  Clearly  he  is  mad.     Let  us  leave  him  and 

22 


ATHANASIUS 

go  to  our  own  game,  since  he  will  not  play 
with  us. 

Athanasius    {in    a    conciliatory   tone).  —  But,    Isidore, 

I  said  not  that  I  would  not  play  with  you: 

I   only  said   that  I  would   not  play  dice. 

Surely  there  are  other  things  that  we  can 

find  to  do. 
Serapion.  —  We  might  go  a-fishing. 
Isidore   {gloomily). — No,   the   sun   is   too  bright,  we 

should  catch  nothing. 
Serapion.  —  We  might  go  down  to  the  beach  and  watch 

the  Corn  Ships  sail. 
Cornelius.  —  They  will    not   sail  to-day.     The  omens 

were  not  good. 
Athanasius.  —  I    know   something   beautiful    that   we 

could  play. 
Serapion.  —  What  is  it.'' 
Athanasius  {eagerly).  —  I  have  played  it  before,  and  'tis 

very  interesting,  and    also    it    teaches    us 

many  good  things. 
Cornelius.  —  But  say  what  it  is. 
Athanasius.  —  Let  us  play  church. 
Isidore.  —  How  do  we  play  ? 
Athanasius.  —  There  are  many  ways  to  play  and  all 

are  good,  but  to-day  we  will  have  a  baptism. 
23 


ATHANASIUS 

I  will  be  the  Bishop  and  ye  shall  be  cate- 
chumens. 

Cornelius.  —  What  are  catechumens? 

Isidore.  —  Dost  thou  not  know?  They  are  people 
who  are  ready  to  forsake  their  pagan  wor- 
ship and  desire  to  learn  about  the  Church. 
I  myself  am  a  catechumen.  I  am  in  prep- 
aration for  Holy  Baptism. 

Athanasius.  —  So  much  the  better,  I  know  all  the  rest, 
what  questions  to  ask,  and  what  ye  should 
answer  and  what  I  must  do,  for  I  have  so 
often  watched  the  holy  rite. 

Cornelius.  —  Well,  this  is  very  new,  and  takes  my 
fancy.  Lead  on,  Athanasius,  we  will  play 
church. 

Athanasius.  —  Then  come  with  me,  and  we  will  pre- 
pare what  we  need. 
[Exeunt  all  the  boys. 

Enter  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  stage  Alexander 
and  Paul,  his  deacon.] 

Alexander.  —  Here  are  those  cooling  breezes  to  find 
which  the  heat  of  my  study  hath  driven 
me  to  the  quays. 

Vision   {in   the  background  and  invisible  to   Alexander 
and  Paul). —  Ah,  Alexander!    'Tis  the  will 
24 


ATHANASIUS 

of  God  hath  driven  thee  to  the  quays. 
Thou  art  to  find  more  to-day  than  refresh- 
ing winds. 

Paul  {indicating  the  bench).  —  Will  your  Sanctity  sit 
here  and  rest.? 

Alexander.  —  Yes,  my  good  Paul.  Now  let  us  finish 
our  business. 

Paul  {looks  through  some  papers  and  takes  out  one).  — 
There  is  the  affair  of  Meletius. 

Alexander  {sighing).  —  Yes,  there  is  always  Meletius 
to  be  a  thorn  in  the  flesh.  The  schism 
grows  not  at  present,  but  neither  is  there 
prospect  of  its  healing.    Let  it  be  for  to-day. 

Paul  {looking  over  his  papers).  — There  is  the  Widows' 
Dole. 

Alexander.  —  The  gold  was  sent  from  the  Prefecture 
this  morning,  was  it  not.^* 

Paul.  —  Yes,  and  it  is  now  in  thy  strong  box. 

Alexander.  —  Cause  the  notice  of  the  Emperour's  dole 
to  be  read  in  all  the  Churches.  This  day 
week  I  will  distribute  it  at  the  Patriarcheion 
as  I  return  from  church.     What  next.? 

Paul.  —  Thou  didst  ask  for  a  report  of  last  Sunday's 
sermon  of  Arius,  the  Rector  of  Baukalis. 
I  have  it  here. 

25 


ATHANASIUS 

Alexander  {stretching  out  his  hand).  —  Leave  it  with  me. 
Which  of  my  secretaries  took  these  notes? 

Paul.  —  Demas  made  the  report,  but  I  was  with  him. 

Alexander.  —  How  wast  thou  impressed  by  Arius } 

Paul.  —  Why  truly,  my  lord,  I  think  he  is  most  elo- 
quent. His  voice  is  very  musical  and  his 
bearing  dignified,  though  somewhat  sad. 

Alexander.  —  Is  he  greatly  admired  by  the  people.'' 

Paul.  —  It  would  seem  so.  The  church  was  crowded 
to  the  doors,  and  I  heard  murmurs  of 
praise  on  all  sides,  especially  from  the 
women. 

Alexander  {shaking  his  head).  —  I  like  him  not.  He 
comes  from  Libya, ^  a  country  fruitful 
in  monstrous  and  unnatural  productions. 
My  heart  tells  me  that  we  shall  have  trouble 
with  him.  ...  Is  there  any  thing  else.? 

Paul.  —  No,  my  lord,  I  have  the  notes  of  the  letters 
I  am  to  write  for  thee,  and  I  will  have  them 
ready  for  thee  to  sign  in  the  morning. 

Alexander.  —  One  thing  more  I  have  for  thee  to  do. 
Take  these  alms  {giving  him  a  purse)  to 
Alypias.     It  is  to  bury  a  poor  man  in  his 

^"  Libya,  a  country  fruitful  in   monstrous  and  unnatural  pro- 
ductions." —  Cave. 

26 


ATHANASIUS 

parish;    he  was   speaking    to  me  about  it 
this  morning. 

Paul.  —  Shall  I  return  here  for  thee  ? 

Alexander.  —  No,  it  is  not  necessary;  when  it  is  cooler 
I  will  find  my  own  way  home.     Fare  thee 
well. 
[Exit  Paul^  after  kissing  the  hand  of  his  Bishop.] 

Alexander    {looking  at  the  report  in  his  hand). — This 
wily  Presbyter  of  Baukalis  fills    me   with 
forebodings.     He  is  not  outspoken  enough 
to  lay  hold  of,  and  yet  in  his  long  sojourn 
in  Antioch  he  hath  taken  some  taint  through 
Lucian  and  his  followers,  if  indeed  he  hath 
not  drunk  up  the  dregs  of  the  impiety  of 
Paulus  of  Samosata   and  of  Ebion.i     Let 
me  see  what  is  his  latest  utterance. 
[Alexander  begins  to   read,  and  becomes  absorbed   in 
the  MS. 
Enter  Athanasius,  Cornelius^  Isidore  and  Serapion.] 

Athanasius.  —  Now,  as  I  told  you,  this  place  {indicat- 
ing the  space  immediately  around  them)  doth 
represent  the  ante-room  of  the  baptistery 
where  ye  must  renounce  Satan  and  make 
your  covenant  with  Christ.  After  which 
^  See  Du  Bose:  Ec.  Coun.,  pp.  59,  91. 
27 


ATHANASIUS 

I  will  take  you  severally  by  the  hand  and 

lead  you  down  into  the  water,  that  ye  may 

be  buried   unto   sin    and    rise    again    unto 

righteousness.       Now     fold     your     hands 

meekly  upon  your  breast  {they  do  so),  and 

hear  the  mystical  words,  and  make  answer 

to  them   after   me,  for  though  ye   do   not 

perfectly  understand  them,  yet  it  is  better 

so  than  that  ye  should  die  unsealed  and 

unsanctified.^ 

[The  Angel  of  Vision  during  this  time  has  drawn  near 

to  Alexander.     She  stands  behind  him,  and  now  touches 

him  on  the  shoulder  and  points  to  the  children^ 

Alexander.  —  What  have  we  here?  They  seem  to 
enact  some  ceremony. 

Athanasius.  —  Now  turn  to  the  West,  for  the  West  is 
the  place  of  darkness  and  Satan  is  darkness 
and  his  strength  is  in  darkness. 
[The  children  turn.] 

Alexander  (starts). — A  baptism! 

Athanasius.  —  Now  stretch  out  your  hands  against 
him  and  say:  I  renounce  thee,  Satan,  and 
thy  pomps  and  thy  vices  and  thine  inven- 

^  For  the    ancient   form   of  administering   baptism,  see  Bing- 
ham's Antiq.,  Vol.  IV. 

28 


ATHANASIUS 

tions,    and    thy   world    which   heth    in    in- 
iquity. 

The  Boys.  —  I  renounce  thee,  Satan,  and  thy  pomps 
and  thy  vices  and  thine  inventions  and  thy 
world  which  lieth  in  iniquity. 

Athanasius.  —  Well  said.  Now  turn  about  to  the  East 
for  he  that  renounces  the  Devil  turns  to 
Christ,  Who  is  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
and  the  Fountain  of  Light,  and  make  your 
covenant  with  Him  in  these  words  {he 
stretches  out  his  hands  towards  heaven) :  I 
give  myself  to  Thee,  O  Christ,  to  be 
governed  by  Thy  laws. 

The  Boys  (imitating  his  gesture) .  —  I  give  myself  to  Thee, 
O  Christ,  to  be  governed  by  Thy  laws. 

Athanasius.  —  Dost  thou  believe  in  God,  the  Father 
Almighty  .f* 

Alexander  {to  himself).  —  He  hath  it  all. 

The  Boys.  —  I  believe. 

Athanasius.  —  Dost  thou  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Lord,  and  in  His  Cross? 

The  Boys.  —  I  believe. 

Athanasius.  —  Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost } 

Alexander.  —  Hold  there ! 

[The  boys  start  and  look  at  him.] 
29 


ATHANASIUS 

Athanasius.  —  It  is  the  Pope. 
Alexander.  —  Come  hither. 

[The  boys  come  to  him  promptly,  dropping  on  one 
knee  to  salute  him.] 
Alexander.  —  What  were  ye  doing.? 
Athanasius.  —  We  were  playing  at  having  a  baptism. 
Alexander  {sternly).  — And  how  were  ye  not  afraid  to 
play  with  the  Holy  Mysteries .? 
[The  boys  look  at  each  other  in  consternation.    Athana- 
sius  steps  forward   and   places    himself  in    front    of 
the  others.] 
Athanasius.  —  I    perceive    that    we    have    grievously 
offended,  but    indeed,    your   Holiness,    the 
fault  is  altogether  mine,  for  I  invented  the 
play  and  persuaded  the  others  thereto. 
Alexander  (to  the  others).  —  Is  this  so.^* 
Isidore  {hesitating).  —  Ye — s,  my  lord  Archbishop. 
Alexander.  —  Then  are  ye  all  dismissed.     Leave  this 

boy  to  me. 
Cornelius  {makes  a  very  low  reverence) .  —  I  crave 
pardon  of  your  Dignity,  but  we  cannot 
desert  our  comrade.  It  is  true  he  proposed 
the  game,  but  we  all  agreed  to  it,  and  we 
must  all  bear  the  consequences. 
Alexander.  —  Come    nearer    to   me   and    listen.     Last 

30 


\ 


/^ 


ATHANASIUS 

week  I  was  traveling  in  the  Mareotis,  and 
by  the  roadside  there  was  a  pit  into  which 
a  lamb  had  fallen.  While  I  was  casting 
about  in  my  mind  how  I  should  succour 
the  bruised  and  frightened  little  creature, 
I  saw  the  shepherd  drawing  near.  Now, 
what  think  ye  that  I  did? 
Isidore.  —  Thou  didst  leave  the  lamb  to  the  shepherd's 

care,  I  trow. 
Alexander.  —  Even  so.     Now  I  am  Shepherd  here  in 
Alexandria,  leave  therefore  to  me  this  lamb 
of  mine,  and  do  not  fear  for  him. 
[The  boys  viake  their  reverence  to  Alexander,  hozving  and 
kissing  his  hand;    he  makes  over  them  each  the  sign 
of  the  Cross. 
Exeunt  the  boys. 

A  pause  during  which  Alexander  looks  at  Athanasius, 
who   stands   before   him   with   downcast  eyes.] 
Alexander.  —  What  led   thee  to  play  with   this  most 

holy  rite? 
Athanasius.  —  I  hardly  know,  your  Holiness.  The 
things  of  the  Church  are  so  beautiful  that  I 
scarce  can  think  or  speak  or  even  dream  of 
anything  else.  I  did  not  think  that  I  could 
do  them  any  irreverence,  for  I  love  them  so. 
31 


ATHANASIUS 

Alexander.  —  Hast  thou  ever  enacted  a  baptism 
before,  my  child? 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  my  Father,  once  before. 

Alexander.  —  Then  make  to  me  now  a  full  confession 
of  the  matter;  search  thy  memory  carefully 
and  omit  nothing. 

Athanasius  {speaking  carefully  and  deliberately).  —  It 
was  a  week  ago,  on  the  feast  of  Peter 
the  Martyr.  I  was  on  the  beach  not  far 
from  thy  palace,  with  three  of  my  compan- 
ions, Ammonius,  Pammon  and  Philip.  I 
enacted  with  them  the  rite  of  baptism,  but 
not  being  let  or  hindered,  I  finished  the 
ceremony. 

Alexander.  —  Didst  thou  baptize  these  boys.? 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  your  Holiness. 

Alexander.  —  How  didst  thou  do  it? 

Athanasius.  —  I  led  them  into  the  sea,  and  buried  them 
three  times  in  the  water,  saying,  "I  baptize 
thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father  and  of  the 
Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

Alexander.  —  My  son,  I  perceive  that  thou  hast  done 
this  in  the  innocency  of  thine  heart.  Never- 
theless, through  ignorance  thou  hast  done 
wrong.  These  are  great  mysteries  which 
32 


ATHANASIUS 

as  yet  thou  dost  not  understand.  Thou 
art  forbidden  ever  to  play  in  such  manner 
again.  Moreover,  thou  must  without 
delay  find  these  boys  whom  thou  didst 
baptize,  and  bring  them  to  me  for  instruc- 
tion and  pastoral  care.  And  also  thou 
shalt  bring  to  me  the  boys  with  whom  thou 
wast  playing  to-day.  I  will  have  them  all 
enrolled  with  the  catechumens  to  be  taught 
and  trained. 

Athanasius.  —  I  will  obey  thee  from  my  very  heart  in 
this  and  in  all  things. 
[Alexmider  stretches  out  his  hand  to  Athanasuis,  zvho 
takes    it     and     kisses    it,     then     kneels     to     receive 
the  Bishop's  blessing.] 

Alexander.  —  Now  tell  me  thy  name. 

Athanasius.  —  I  am  called  Athanasius. 

Alexander.  —  And  thy  parentage. 

Athanasius.  —  My  parents  were  confessors  in  the  perse- 
cution of  Maximian.  Now  they  are  both 
dead,  and  their  sepulchre  lieth  just  outside 
of  the  City. 

Alexander.  —  Give  unto  them  eternal  rest,  O  Lord, 
and  let  perpetual  light  shine  on  them! 

Athanasius  {softly). — Amen. 

33 


ATHANASIUS 

Alexander.  —  What  is  now  thy  manner  of  life? 

Athanasius.  —  I  dwell  with  my  aunt  near  the  Church 
of  St.  Theonas,  and  I  attend  the  school  of 
one  Dioscorus. 

Alexander.  —  I  do  not  remember  to  have  heard  of  that 
school. 

Athanasius.  —  Dioscorus  hath  a  lodging  not  far  from 
the  Temple  of  Serapis,  but  he  is  very  old, 
and  sometimes  as  we  recite  our  lessons  he 
falls  asleep.  It  is  the  best  that  my  aunt 
can  pay  for. 

Alexander.  —  What  studies  hast  thou  pursued  ^. 

Athanasius.  —  I  know  somewhat  of  grammar  and 
rhetoric,  and  have  read  much  of  Homer 
and  a  little  of  Plato. 

Alexander.  —  And  where  hast  thou  learned  the  Faith 
since  thy  parents  died.f* 

Athanasius.  —  Sometimes  I  talk  with  confessors  and 
others  who  resort  to  the  house  of  my  aunt, 
and  I  ask  them  questions,  but  chiefly  have 
I  learned  in  church  from  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  from  sermons,  and  from 
all  the  beautiful  things  that  I  see  and  hear. 
I  heard  thee  preach  on  Whitsunday,  my 
lord  Archbishop,  and  other  times  besides 
34 


ATHANASIUS 

Alexander.  —  Dost  thou  spend  much  time  in   church  ? 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  my  Father,  I  am  there  when  the 
doors  are  opened  until  all  is  in  order  for  the 
day.  After  school  I  am  there  again,  for 
thou  must  know  that  I  help  the  Custodian 
of  the  Sacred  Vessels  and  of  the  Rolls. 
He  hath  been  lame  in  the  leg  since  the 
last  rising  of  the  Nile  when  he  was  hurt 
with  a  boat-hook. 

Alexander.  —  Art  thou  not  paid  for  this  service .? 

Athanasius.  —  Oh  yes,  not  in  money,  but  in  this  wise 
{drawing  from  his  bosom  his  roll,  and  show- 
ing it  to  Alexander,  who  takes  it  from  him) . 

Alexander.  —  Why,  thou  hast  here  part  of  the  Evangel 
of  St.  John! 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  my  lord,  the  parchment  came  to 
me  with  my  father's  books,  and  the  Custo- 
dian of  the  Rolls  doth  each  week  transcribe 
for  me  twice  seven  lines,  two  lines  for  my 
work  each  day. 

Alexander.  —  Let  me  hear  thee  read.  {Hands  him  the 
roll.) 

Athanasius.  —  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the 
Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God. 
The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
35 


ATHANASIUS 

All  things  were  made  by  him;  and  without 
him  was  not  anything  made  that  was  made. 

Alexander.  —  That  will  do.  Dost  thou  understand 
what  thou  hast  read.'' 

Athanasius.  —  Only  in  part,  for  it  is  so  high  above  me. 
I  was  wondering  anon,  my  lord,  if  thou 
canst  reach  to  it. 

Alexander.  —  My  child,  if  God  were  such  that  my  little 
mind  could  understand  His  nature.  He  would 
not  be  God,  and  I  could  not  worship  Him. 
But  ever  as  we  grow,  we  understand  more 
and  more  of  God,  and  in  Him  we  have 
space  to  grow  infinitely,  forever  and  forever. 

Athanasius  {eagerly).  —  Oh,  I  understand.  For  some- 
times as  I  read,  these  words  seem  like 
the  great  dome  of  heaven,  and  I  fly  in  it 
like  a  bird,  upward  and  upward,  and  yet 
always  beyond  me  I  see  the  far-reaching 
blue  and  the  blinding  glory  of  the  sun. 
Still  it  is  a  joy  to  fly  toward  the  sun,  and 
it  is  a  joy  to  read  this  Evangel,  for  I  am 
filled  with  such  sweetness  and  praise,  and 
with  such  a  great  passion  of  love  for  the 
Word  Who  was  God,  and  yet  was  made 
flesh  and  dwelt  among  us! 

36 


ATHANASIUS 

Alexander.  —  Dost  thou  indeed  so  greatly  love  the 
Saviour  of  the  World,  Athanasius? 

Athanasius.  —  Beyond  all  words  I  love  Him.  I  wish 
that  like  the  martyrs  I  could  seal  my  love 
and  die  for  Him. 

Alexander.  —  Art  thou  also  willing  to  live  for  Him, 
Athanasius  ? 

Athanasius. — Oh,  if  I  but  knew  how!  I  would  do 
His  will  as  long  as  there  was  a  breath  left 
in  me. 

Alexander  {to  himself  in  reverie). — This  pure  stream 
of  faith  and  love  should  not  be  left  to 
chance  guidance. 

Vision  {who  has  drawn  near,  and  now  speaks  behind  hivi, 
invisible  to  Alexander  and  Athanasius).  — 
Lift  up  thine  eyes,  Alexander,  and  look 
into  the  future.  Couldst  thou  do  better 
for  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  than  to 
train  this  child  for  service  therein? 

Alexander  {dreamily).  —  Yes,  the  days  are  coming  .  .  . 
I  see  on  the  horizon  the  dust  of  their 
approach  .  .  .  when  this  clear  mind  and 
brave  spirit  will  be  needed  in  the  Church. 
{After  a  pause,  to  Athanasius)  My  child,  I 
trow    that    the    Custodian  of    the  Sacred 

37 


ATHANASIUS 

Vessels  and  of  the  Parchments  at  St. 
Theonas  must  find  someone  else  to  help 
him. 

Athanasius  {startled). — Yes,  my  Father? 

Alexander.  —  Thy  Bishop  hath  need  of  thee. 

Athanasius.  —  Thou  !     Of  me ! 

Alexander  {drawing  Athanasius  to  him) . — Yes,  Athana- 
sius, I  have  need  of  thee  to  be  my  deacon 
and  my  secretary,  my  eyes  and  ears,  my 
mouth  and  my  right  hand.  Wilt  thou  be 
such  a  deacon  as  this? 

Athanasius  {anxiously).  —  How  can  I  when  I  am  so 
young  and  ignorant? 

Alexander. — Ah!  thou  must  be  taught  and  trained. 
Hereafter  thou  shalt  live  in  my  house,  and 
gaze  on  the  bright  countenance  of  truth  in 
the  mild  and  dewy  air  of  delightful  studies.^ 
My  own  books  shall  be  open  to  thee.  My 
friends  shall  be  thine.  Thou  shalt  attend 
the  lectures  of  our  great  masters  of  rhetoric 
and  philosophy,  and  the  library  of  Alexan- 
dria shall  yield  up  to  thee  its  treasures. 
And   all   the  while   thou   and   I  will  grow 

^  "Gaze  on   the   bright  countenance  of  truth  in  the  mild  and 
dewy  air  of  deHghtful  studies."  —  Greg.  Naz. 

38 


ATHANASIUS 

together  in  the  knowledge  of  God,  studying 
to  do  His  will.  So  that  as  yonder  tower  on 
Pharos  looks  out  over  the  harbour,  and 
holds  its  faithful  light  for  all  to  see,  we 
may  look  out  over  the  Church  in  Egypt, 
vigilant  to  watch,  and  faithful  through 
night  and  storm  to  hold  the  truth  about 
Him  Whose  life  is  the  only  light  of  this 
dark  world.    What  sayst  thou,  Athanasius? 

Athanasius.  —  What  can  I  say.^  I  have  no  words. 
It  is  too  wonderful  and  beautiful.  My 
Father,  I  will  go  with  thee,  and  whatsoever 
thou  sayst  unto  me,  I  will  do  it. 

Alexander.  —  Come  then,  home  with  me.   (Rises.)  This 
evening   I   will    send    a    message    to    thine 
aunt.     From    this  hour    thou  art  my  son, 
my  consolation,  and  the  strength  of  mine 
old  age. 
[They  start  for  homey  slowly  crossing  the  stage. 
Enter  on    tip-toe   and   with  great  caution,   Cornelius, 
Isidore  and  Serapion.] 

Cornelius.  —  Hist!  Athanasius. 

[Athanasius  tur^is  and  sees  them.] 

Athanasius.  —  My  Father,  suffer  me  to  speak  to  these 
my  comrades. 

39 


ATHANASIUS 

[Alexander  indicates  by  a  motion   that   he  gives 
permission.] 
Athanasius.  —  What  is  it? 
Cornelius.  —  We  would  know  how  he  hath  punished 

thee. 
Athanasius.  —  In  this  way:    He  hath  adopted  me  for 
his  son,  and  to-night  I  sleep  at  the  Patriar- 
cheion. 

[Curtain^ 


40 


■  ^ 

^'l-'M 

^^^^K^_^^H^^  iH 

^^p'  ^                  ^^^^^^^H 

^ifl^i^^^^^K 

^^^B     '9S^^^^IIm 

■    '     m^"^-  '  J  '  Spij^l 

^3 

FROM  THIS  HOUR    lllOL"  ART  MY  SOX,  MY  CONSOLATION  AND 
THE  STRENGTH  OF  MINE  OLD  AGE." 


ACT    II 

Time  —  A  day  in  June  in  the  Year  of  Grace  325. 
Place  —  A  Basilica  in  the  city  of  Nicaea. 

Per0on0  lRepre0enteD 

CoNSTANTiNE.  —  Roman  Emperour. 

f  Bishop  of  Alexandria  and  Metropolitan  of 
'  I  All  Egypt,  commonly  called  "The  Pope. " 

Athanasius.  —  His  Archdeacon. 

Hosius.  —  Bishop  of  Cordova,  President  of  the  Council. 

EusEBius.  —  Bishop  of  Caesarea  and  Metropolitan  of 
Palestine. 

EusTATHius.  —  Bishop  of  Antioch. 

John.  —  Catholicos  of  the  Church  of  the  Farther  East. 

PoTAMMON.  —  Bishop  of  Hcraclopolis,  Confessor. 

Paphnutius.  —  Bishop  of  the    Upper  Thebaid,  Con- 
fessor. 

Paul.  —  Bishop  of  Neo-Caesarea,  Confessor. 

James.  —  Bishop  of  Nisibis,  a  Hermit. 

Spyridion.  —  Bishop  of  Cyprus,  a  Shepherd. 

Marcellus.  — Bishop  of  Ancyra. 

Victor.  j    Presbyters,     representing      Sylvester, 

ViNCENTius.    I        Bishop  of  Rome. 

41 


ATHANASIUS 


Theofhilus.  —  A  Gothic  Bishop. 

AcEsius.  —  A  Novatian  Ascetic. 

Arius.  —  The  Heresiarch,  a  Presbyter  of  Alexandria. 

Avowed  Friends 


Theonas.  —  Bishop  of  Marmarica, 
Secundus.  —  Bishop  of  Ptolomais, 

EusEBius.  —  Bishop  of  Nicomedia, 
Theognis.  —  Bishop  of  Nicaea, 
Maris.  —  Bishop  of  Chalcedon, 

Hermogenes.  — A  Secretary. 

Pages. 

Vision. 


and   Supporters 
of  Arius. 

Sympathizers 
with  Arius. 


Note.  —  This  being  an  historical  play,  the  words  of  the  writers 
and  actors  of  the  period  have  been  freely  incorporated  into  the 
text,  and  it  has  not  been  thought  necessary  to  indicate  where 
this  has  been  done,  except  when  the  words  of  one  person  have 
been  put  into  the  mouth  of  another,  and  not  always  then.  Nor 
has  it  been  deemed  necessary  to  indicate  passages  or  expressions 
taken  from  the  Scriptures  or  from  the  Prayer  Book  or  the  "Qui- 
cunque  vult."  The  intention  has  been  to  acknowledge  all  quota- 
tions from  modern  authors,  and  if  in  any  case  this  has  been  omitted, 
it  has  been  through  inadvertence.  In  the  speeches  of  Eusebius 
of  Csesarea,  the  phrase  "Remember  that  we  are  seeking  light,  not 
heat"  is  borrowed  from  Tennyson,  and  "The  towering  eagles 
resigned  the  flags  unto  the  Cross"  from  Pearson. 

42 


ATHANASIUS 

[j^t  the  back  of  the  stage  an  altar.     On  the  dossal  the 
text   ^'Who7n   say   ye   that   I   am?"      Right    a7id  left 
seats  ranged  against  the  walls  for  the  Bishops.     In  the 
centre  a  ^Uhrone"  on  which  rests  a  copy  of  the  Four 
Gospels.     Back  of  the  throne  a  small  gold  chair.      A 
seat    to    the  right  of   the  gold   chair  and  one  to  the 
left.     Hanging  on   the  wall  to   the  left   a   banner   in- 
scribed *'  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always T^     To  the  right 
another  banner  bearing  the  device  of  a  dove  with  out- 
stretched wings,  and   the   legend  '^Behold  I  send  the 
promise  of  my   Father  upon  you.' ^  ^ 
[Enter  before  the  curtain  the  Angel  of  Vision.] 
The  Angel  of  Vision.  —  "And  the  Child  grew,  waxed 
strong  in  spirit,  filled 
With  Wisdom,  and  upon  Him  grace  divine." 
Even  so  on  the  fair  pattern  of  his  Lord, 
In  strength  and  wisdom  Athanasius  grew, 
Winning  the  favour  both  of  God  and  man. 
Thus  passed  the  quiet,  studious  years  of  youth. 
The  seed  time  of  the  fruitful  life  to  come. 

^  The  seats  for  the  Bishops  should  be  arranged  in  somewhat  of 
a  semi-circle,  to  look  like  an  apse.  The  "throne"  for  the  Gospels 
should  be  without  a  back,  and  the  Emperour's  "small  gold  chair" 
raised  somewhat  above  it.  It  seems  unavoidable  that  the  Em- 
perour  should  have  his  back  to  the  altar. 

43 


ATHANASIUS 

And  then  upon  the  Alexandrian  Church 

Crept  in  a  sore  disease.     With  vision  keen, 

And  courage  high,  young  Athanasius  faced 

The  burning  madness  of  the  Arian  plague, 

And  side  by  side  with  Alexander  strove 

To  stay  it  there  in  Alexandria. 

'Twere  easier  far  to  hush  the  moaning  sea 

Presaging  storm,  or  still  the  wilful  wind 

Than  Arius  to  silence  when  he  bent 

Himself  against  the  Deity  of  Christ.^ 

Slave   to  hard    pride,  he  thought    himself  the 

free, 
And  loved  to  choose  his  path,  lawless  and  weak. 
He  charmed  the  ears  that  would  not  hear  the 

truth. 
And  led  the  blind,  himself  more  blind  than  they; 
For  silly  sheep  followed  the  hireling. 
Their  own  true  shepherds  calling  them  in  vain. 
And  thus  the  madness  spread.     But  now  at  last 
In  God's  full  time  the  Church  has  met  to  hear 
The  question  and  to  answer  it,  "Whom  say 
Ye   that  I   am.^"'     Draw  back  once  more  the 

veil. 

^The    Arians    "bending     themselves    against    the     Deity    of 
Christ."  — Hooker:  Eccl.  Pol. 

44 


ATHANASIUS 

[The  curtain  is  drawn,  showing  the  interior 

of  the  Basilica^ 
Put  off  your  shoes,  for  this  is  holy  ground! 
Here  in  this  old  basilica  was  won 
Nicaea's  victory.     The  chestnuts  wave 
On  Bithnia's  wooded  slopes,  and  fleecy  clouds 
Float  in  the  summer  sky  and  in  the  blue 
Of  the  Ascanian  Lake,  while  far  away 
Snow  capped  Olympus  broods  upon  the  scene. 
Here  in  Nicaea,  City  of  Victory, 
Have  gathered  day  by  day  for  many  weeks 
The  servants  of  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ. 
From  far  and  wide,  each  from  his  diocese, 
By  lumbering  caravan  or  heaving  ship, 
Through    sandy    tracks,    by    stony    mountain 

paths. 
O'er  the  salt  sea,  over  the  smooth  post  roads. 
At   Constantine's    command    the    Church    has 

come 
To  witness  to  the  Faith.     They  gladly  meet 
Under  the  grateful  shade  of  porticoes, 
And  in  the  hostelries  and  streets  they  see 
Each  other  face  to  face,  martyrs  of  Christ, 
Confessors,  hermits,  scholars,  saints  and  men 
Devout,  out  of  all  nations  under  heaven, 
45 


ATHANASIUS 

Waiting  for  that  great  day  which  now  has  come. 
Veni,  Veni,  Creator  Spiritus!  ^ 

[Vision   withdraws.      Enter  Alexander  attended  by 
Athanasius,  Paphnutius  and  Potammon.] 
Alexander  {looking  about).  —  No  one  is  here.     We  are 

the  first  to  arrive. 
Aihanasius.  —  Yes,  we  are  full  early,  and  that  is  right, 
for  who  should  be  the  first  at  this  Council, 
but   thou,   my   Father,   who   hast   so  long 
borne  alone  the  brunt  of  the  fight .f* 
Alexander.  —  Ah !     I  should  ill  have  borne  it,  and  made 

little  headway  without  thee,  my  son. 

Athanasius.  —  I  am  but  a  part  of  thee,  and  what  I  do  is 

only  fruit  of  thine  own  sowing,  but  in  such 

as  these,  Confessors  of  Christ   {pointing  to 

Paphnutius  and  Potammon),  is  the  Church's 

true  strength.     Be  ye  seated,  beloved  ones. 

[Alexander  seats  himself.     Paphnutius  a?id  Potammon 

on  either  side  of  hi??!.      They  converse.     Enter  Spyri- 

dion.     He  is  dressed   like  a   shepherd  and  carries  a 

staff.     He  looks  about  him  rather  shyly.     Athanasius 

goes  forward  to  meet  him.] 

Athanasius.  —  I  give  thee  joy,  Spyridion,  on  thy  recent 

'  For  description  of  Nicasa,  and  of  the  gathering  of  the  Council, 
see  Stanley:  Eastern  Church. 

46 


ATHANASIUS 

convert.  May  he  shine  hke  a  jewel  in  thy 
crown  on  that  glad  day  when  thou  shalt  lay 
it  at  thy  Saviour's  feet!  Thou  didst  lead 
the  heathen  philosopher  to  baptism  at 
once,  I  was  told? 

Spyridion.  —  Yes,  I  lost  not  a  moment  in  taking  him 
to  the  Fountain  of  Life,  but  it  was  not  my 
poor,  untutored  words  that  melted  his  heart, 
but  the  fire  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  for  when  I 
had  finished  speaking  and  said  to  him, 
"Believest  thou?"  for  all  his  great  swelling 
words,  he  acknowledged  that  he  felt  within 
him  an  impulse  which  forced  him  to  confess 
the  faith  of  Christ.  But,  good  my  lord,  I 
would  fain  speak  to  thee  of  a  matter  that 
troubles  me. 

Athanasius.  —  Call  me  not  lord,  I  am  only  a  deacon  of 
Alexandria.  I  am  the  servant  of  the  Bishop 
of  Cyprus,  or,  if  he  will  have  it  so,  his  son. 

Spyridion.  —  My  son,  thou  hast  lived  in  the  great 
world,  and  studied  in  the  famous  schools 
of  Alexandria,  but  I  have  come  here  at  the 
Emperour's  bidding  from  my  sheep-cotes, 
and  from  following  the  ewes  great  with 
young.     I  fear  by  my  want  of  learning  to 

47 


ATHANASIUS 

bring  dishonour  on  the  name  of  Christ. 
I  worship  Him  as  God,  and  love  Him  as 
my  Saviour,  but  I  cannot  reason  about  it 
with  wise  eloquence  and  subtlety. 

Athanasius.  —  My  Father,  what  the  Church  calls  for 
to-day  is  thy  testimony.  Thou  art  asked  to 
witness  to  the  Faith,  not  to  explain  the 
wherefore  and  the  how  of  divine  mysteries. 
Thou  hast  only  to  declare  what  was  the 
Faith  once  for  all  delivered  to  Cyprus  what 
time  the  Holy  Ghost  said  "Separate  me 
Barnabas  and  Paul  for  the  work  whereunto 
I  have  called  them." 

Spyridion. —  Ah,  that  is  an  easy  matter,  we  have  abun- 
dant records.     Thou  hast  taken  a  load  from 
my  mind.     Now  I  would  greet  the  Pope. 
[Athanasius  leads  him  to  Alexander.] 

Athanasius.  —  My    Father,    here    is    the    Bishop    of 
Cyprus. 
[Enter  Victor  and  Vincentius.      They  pause  a  moment 
at  the  back  of  the  stage.] 

Alexander  {to  Spyridion,  rising).  —  Peace  be  with 
thee,  my  brother. 

Spyridion.  —  And    with    thy    spirit,    most    sweet   and 
honoured  brother  and  bishop. 
48 


ATHANASIUS 

[Fictor  a7id  Vince^itius  adva7ice  and  approach 

Atha7iasius .] 

Victor.  —  Art  thou  not  the  Archdeacon  of  Alexandria  ? 

Atha7iasius.  —  I  am  he,  and  a  servant  of  the  servants 

of  Jesus  Christ. 
Vincentius.  —  We  would  fain  be  presented  to  the  Pope 
of  Alexandria,  for  we  bear  to  him  the  greet- 
ings of  his  brother,  the  Bishop  of  Rome. 
[AthaTiasius  leads  the^n  to  Alexander.] 
Athanasius.  —  My    lord    and    Father,    these    are    the 
delegates  of  the  Bishop  of  Rome. 
[Alexander  gives  them  his  hand,  which  they  kiss, 
bowing  the  knee.] 
Alexander.  —  Peace  be  with  you,  and  with  him  whom 

ye  represent. 
Victor.  —  Sylvester,   Bishop  of  Rome,  greets  thee,  O 
Pope  of  Alexandria,  with  all  brotherly  love 
and  Christian  humility. 
Alexander.  —  How  is  m.y  dear  brother? 
Vincentius.  —  His  great  age  and  his  many  infirmities 
could   not  have  borne   the   rigours  of  this 
long  journey,  but  his  heart  is  with  us,  and 
with  us  he  prays  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem. 
Alexander.  —  Bear  him  my  brotherly  and  most  loving 
greetings,  and  let  him  know  how  truly  we 
49 


ATHANASIUS 

wish   that   in   God's   good   providence   the 
Bishop  of  the   Imperial  City  might  have 
sat  with  his  brother  bishops  in  this  great 
Council. 
[Victor   and    Vincentius   pass   to    their  seats.     Enter 
Eusebitis  of  Nicomedia,  with  Arius,  Theognis,  Maris, 
Theonas  and  Secundus.     Eusebius  salutes  the  Alexan- 
drian clergy  coldly  and  takes  his  place.     Theognis  and 
Maris  on  his  right  and  left.      Theonas  and  Secundus 
remain  for  the  present  standing    in  the  background. 
Arius   advances,   bows    haughtily    to    Alexander,    and 
then  stands   looking  at   Athanasius   with   studied  in- 
solence.] 
Arius.  —  Why  earnest  thou  hither,  and  with  whom  hast 
thou  left  thy  proper  duties  in  Alexandria? 
I  know  thy  pride  and   the  naughtiness  of 
thy  heart.    Thou  art  come  that  thou  might- 
est  essay  thy  logic  on  me,  as  thou  hast  done 
before.     But  have  a  care,  thou  hast  not  the 
ear  of  the  Church  as  thou  hast  that  of  the 
aged  Alexander,  and  thou  shalt  not  have  it 
all  thine  own  way  to-day. 
Athanasius.  —  I  seek  not  mine  own  way,  Arius,  but 
the  truth  as  God  hath  revealed  it  to  the 
Church.     Seek  thou  it  too,  and  perchance 
SO 


ATHANASIUS 

we  may  one  day  meet  as  ships  that  sail 
for  the  same  port.^ 

[Athanasuis  turns  from  Arius,  and  seats  himself   at 
the  feet    of    Alexander.      Arius    seats    himself    near 
Eusebius  of  Nicomedia.      Theonas  and  Sectmdus  seat 
themselves  right  and  left  of  Arius. 
Enter  Eusebius  of  Ccesarea,  Eustathius,  John,  James, 
Paul,   Acesius,  and  Marcellus  of  Ancyra.     They  all 
seat    themselves,    Eusebius   sitting   at  the   left    of    the 
Emperour  s  golden  chair.     Just  as  Marcellus  has  taken 
his  seat,   he   sees  Arius  and  springs  'up,  shaking  his 
fist  at  him.] 
Marcellus.  —  Ah !  thou  perverse  one !     Thou  forerun- 
ner of  Antichrist! 
Athanasius  {lays  his  hand  on  the  arm  of  Marcellus).  — 
Softly,  Marcellus,  as  much  as  in  us  lieth, 
shall  we  not  be  gentle  to  those  that  oppose 
themselves  ? 
Marcellus.  —  Gentleness  is  wasted  on  such  perversity. 
Athanasius.  —  And  wilt  thou,  dear  friend,  accept  one 
word  of  caution?     In  thy  fierceness  against 
this  heresy  of  Arius,  be  careful  that  thou 
dost   not   lose    thy   balance,   and   fall    into 
Sabellianism,   confounding   the   Persons  of 
^  Compare  "Qua  Cursum  Ventus,"  A.  H.  Clough. 
51 


ATHANASIUS 

the  Ever  Blessed  Trinity.     In  self-control 
and  temperance  lies  our  strength. 

Marcellus.  —  Have  no  fear  of  me. 

Athanasius  {aside).  —  I     have    great     fear    of    thee, 
thou  good,  clumsy  Marcellus. 
[Enter  Hosius,  attended  by  Theophilus.] 

Alexander  {rising).  —  Peace  be  with  thee,  Hosius, 
thou  great  Bishop  of  the  West.  Holy  art 
thou  in  name,  and  holy  in  character.  In 
the  name  of  the  Eastern  Church,  I  welcome 
in  thee  the  Church  of  the  West. 

Hosius.  —  I  bring  to  the  Eastern  Church  the  greetings 
of  the  West,  and  pray  God  that  we  may 
ever   be   one    in    truth    and    mutual    love. 
Reverend  Fathers,  the  Emperour  hath  de- 
creed that  I  shall  preside  at  the  Council, 
but,  forasmuch  as  my  knowledge  of  your 
Grecian  tongue  is  so  imperfect,  I  have  asked 
the   Bishop  of  Caesarea  to  pronounce  our 
greeting  to  the  Emperour. 
[Hosius  seats  himself  at  the  right  of  the  golden  chair. 
Theophilus  among  the  other  Bishops. 
Enter  a  page  with  a  flaring  torch.] 

The   Page. — The  Emperour  comes!     Make  ready  to 
receive  the  Emperour! 
52 


ATHANASIUS 

[All  rise. 

Flourish  of  trumpets,  then  a  stately  march,   and  the 

Emperour  comes   in,   attended   by  four  pages,  one    of 

whom    bears    the    Labarum.      The    processio7i    passes 

around  the  Basilica,  until  the  Emperour  has  made  the 

circuit  of  the  stage;  he  then  takes  his  place  in  front 

of  the  golden  chair,  but  remains  standing.] 

Hosius.  —  Will  not  our  August  Emperour  be  seated  ? 

[The  Emperour  seats  himself.     All  the  Nicene  Fathers 

resume    their     seats    except     Eusebius    of     Ccesarea. 

When  all  is  quiet,  he  speaks.] 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Friends  and  priests  of   God, 

ye  who  are  clad  in  the  sacred  tunic  and 

wear   the   crown   of  glorious   service,   long 

since  we  have  heard  in  the  lessons  of  Holy 

Scripture  the  wonders  of  God's  hand  and 

His  goodness  towards  men.    4fl~otif-  hymns 

--^nd  canticles  we  have  been  accustomed  to 

■  sing-  -these  words,  "0  God,  we  have  heard 

,  with  our  ears  the  wonders  which  thou  hast 

done    in   times  of  old."     Yea-,  verily,   but 

to-day  it  is  no  longer  by  hearing,  no  longer 

by   word    and    report    that  we    know   the 

mighty  hand  and  stretched-out  arm  of  our 

omnipotent  God  and  King.     We  ourselves 

S3 


ATHANASIUS 

behold,  with  our-own  eyes  we  see,  mar-vels 
of  power  and  goodness  Hke  to  those  of 
which  we  have  read.  How  wonderful  has 
been  the  change  in  our  condition  since  at 
the  conversion  of  Constantine  die- towering 
eagles  resigned  the  flags  unto  the  Cro&sl 
Not  only  are  we  delivered  from  the  rack 
and  torment  of  persecution,  but  now  is 
Christ  confessed  and  worshipped  through- 
out the  Empire.  {Turning  to  Constantine) 
Great  and  manifold  were  the  blessings, 
most  dread  Sovereign, ^  bestowed  upon  us 
by  God  through  thee.  What  king  ever 
ordained  laws  so  pious  and  wise. f*  Who  has 
ever  abrogated  the  fierce  and  barbarous 
customs  of  savage  nations  by  such  mild 
and  beneficial  laws.?  Who  else  has  given 
to  his  soldiers  arms  of  piety  harder  than 
adamant  against  their  enemies.''  Still  ring- 
ing in  our  ears  are  the  paeans  of  congratu- 
lation for  the  victory  of  Chrysopolis  and 
amid  the  festal  joys  of  all  thy  subjects  shall 

^  Preface  to  the  A.  V.  The  Fathers  have  been  accused  of  ful- 
someness  in  their  mode  of  addressing  the  Emperours,  but  it  would 
seem  that  court  language  is  always  about  the  same  and  that  it 
is  rated  at  its  true  value. 

54 


ATHANASIUS 

-W-d«fl^J^  -  4^*^7,41  hrstrrotis  Victor, 
we-^-oo  hold  in  joyful  remembrance  thy 
YJctory  over  the  dissolute  and  impious 
Liciflious.  As^-fiiany  of  us  look  upon  thy 
---face-fof  the  first  time  we  can  hear  the  battle 
-'  cry  of  Constantine,  "God  and  our  Saviour!" 
-We  can  see  the  images  of  the  false  gods  of 
Licinious  fall  to  the  ground  like  Dagon, 
while  his  pagan  troops  fly  in  terror 
and  confusion,  and,  thinking  of  all  these 
things,  we  return  thanks  to  God  for  thee, 
for  thy  conversion  and  most  Christian 
rule,  for  thy  victory  over  all  our  foes; 
and  for  this,  the  latest  in  time  but  the 
noblest  of  all  thy  noble  deeds,  we  give 
thanks  to  God  that  he  put  into  thy  heart 
the  sublime  determination  to  summon  in 
this  Council  the  Bishops  of  the  habit- 
able earth  to  oppose  to  the  invisible 
enemy  of  the  Church  tIie.--battalions  of  a 
divine  phalanx.  ■ 
Constaritine.  —  Ye  white-robed  Fathers,  I  greet  you 
fais  and  bid  you  welcome  with  all  love. 
If  after  years  remember  the  name  of  Con- 
stantine, let  them  record  that  twice  in  his 
55 


ATHANASIUS 

life   he   had   a   happy   day.     Once   at  Jlhft 
Milvian  Bridge  .IKC^' 

Nic£n€   Fathers.  —  Hail    Cons Laii line;  "Vic tor    by    the 
Cross  of  Christ  h 

Constantine.  —  ...  and  once  again  in  Nicaea,  when 
still  in  that  same  sign  by  which  alone  we 
conquer,  the  victory  of  peace  and  unity 
was  won.  For  where  should  we  find  peace 
and  unity  if  not  in  the  Church  of  Christ 
Who  is  the  Prince  of  Peace  and  Who  prayed 
that  His  followers  might  be  one,  even  as 
He  and  His  Father  are  one.? 
But  have  I  found  it  so  since  at  the  command 
of  Christ  I  turned  from  the  darkness  of 
paganism  and  came  into  the  Church.? 
Alas!  Alas!  I  have  not  found  harmony, 
but  discord;  not  unity,  but  variance;  not 
brotherly  love,  but  bitterness  and  recrimi- 
nation. My  brethren,  these  things  ought 
not  so  to  be.  {He  takes  from  his  bosom  a 
package  of  sealed  letters  tied  together.)  What 
are  these.?  They  are  letters  from  Christian 
Bishops  bringing  accusation  against  each 
other,  dragging  each  other's  faults  and  fail- 
ings into  the  light.     I  have  not  read  them, 

56 


ATHANASIUS 

knowing  too  well  their  unlovely  character. 
I  have  not  even  broken  the  seals.  Shall  we 
not  leave  each  other's  shortcomings  to  the 
merciful  judgment  of  God?  Shall  we  not 
to-day  let  these  letters  perish,  even  as  a  fig- 
tree  casteth  her  untimely  figs  when  she  is 
shaken  of  a  mighty  wind?  {To  one  o]  his 
pages)  Bring  me  a  brazier.  {The  page  brings 
a  burning  brazier^  the  Emperour  lays  the  letters 
in  the  flame.)  So  perish  all  unkindness  out  of 
Zion.  So  let  the  fires  of  love  consume  all  bit- 
terness and  rancour,  leaving  us  at  unity,  in 
peace.  But,  my  Reverend  Father,  in  God, 
{pointing  to  Hosius),  tfeis--wof  14- renowned 
Spaiiiard  hath^-^hown  me-  in  our  frequent 
conversation  about  this  question  which  is 
before  the  Church  to-day  that  unity  and 
peace  can  be  found  only  in  the  true  faith  of 
Jesus  Christ.  I  did  not  always  understand 
this  being  but  a  catechumen  and  a  soldier, 
for,  since  God  hath  given  me  the  kingdom  of 
this  world,  I  thought  that  I  could  command 
the  Church  to  be  at  unity,  and  so  when  the 
news  from  Alexandria  reached  my  ears, 
I  wrote  to  Alexander  and  Arius  bidding 
57 


ATHANASIUS 

them  leave  these  subtle  questions  which 
they  should  never  have  raised,  and  restore 
to  me  my  peaceful  days  and  tranquil  nights. 
But  having  been  shown  that  the  subjects 
in  dispute  are  not  trivial,  as  I  supposed, 
and  that  they  did  not  arise  from  the  dis- 
putatious cavils  of  unemployed  leisure,  but 
that  in  truth  the  matter  is  of  deep  moment, 
and  vital  to  the  interests  of  the  Church, 
I  have  called  this  Council,  and  God  it  was 
on  whose  suggestion  I  acted  in  summoning 
the  Bishops  to  meet  in  such  numbers,  thatye 
may  declare  and  make  known  what  is  the 
truth  which  hath  been  committed  to  your 
keeping,  t^at  so  the  belief  of  all  nations  may 
b€-unified  with  regard  to  the  Divinity  into 
one  consistent  form,  and  that  the  grievous 
sickness  of  this  naughtyworld  may  be  healed. 
Beloved,  I  take  it  as  a  happy  omen  that  we  are 
met  in  a  city  whose  name  means  Victory, 
and  I  give  you  joy,  all  ye  who  contend  for 
the  truth,  for  ye  are  fighting  on  the  winning 
side  {he  takes  the  Labarum  from  the  hand  of 
his  page  and  holds  it  up),  and  in  this  sign 
ye  shall  conquer. 
58 


ATHANASIUS 

Hosius.  —  My  brethren  and  fellow  servants  of  Jesus 
Christ,  by  the  grace  of  God  and  the  piety 
of  the  Emperour  this  great  and  holy.syfied  0€w*^*^ 
hath  come  together  to  declare  what  is  and 
hath  ever  been  the  Catholic  Faith  with 
respect  to  the  godhead  of  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Son  of  God  and  Saviour  of  the  world.  And 
it  is  the  wish  and  command  of  the  Emperour 
that  we  shall  clearly  and  beyond  all  doubt 
express  this  truth  in  language  whose  mean- 
ing can  in  no  wise  be  misunderstood. 
We  have  therefore  to  consider  whether  the 
Catholic  Faith  is  that  the  Godhead  of  the 
Father  and  of  the  Son  is  one,  the  glory 
equal,  the  majesty  co-eternal,  or  whether, 
as  this  new  learning  put  forth  by  Arius 
and  his  followers  doth  teach,  the  Father 
is  God,  and  the  Son  is  a  creature,  highest 
indeed  of  all  created  beings,  but  still  a 
creature. 

Alexander.  —  Forasmuch  as  we  find  in  all  the  apostolic 
Churches  creeds  which  are  the  same  in 
substance,  though  more  or  less  full  in  their 
summary  of  the  faith,  were  it  not  well  to 
seek  in  these  a  basis  for  our  deliberations.? 

59 


ATHANASIUS 

For  so  shall  we  see  plainly  and  without  all 
doubt  what  hath  ever  been  the  faith  of 
the  Churches,  and  we  have  only  to  safe- 
guard the  language  of  these  creeds  or  forms 
of  sound  words  by  declaring  and  explaining 
what  is  the  true  meaning  as  it  has  been 
understood  from  the  days  of  the  Apostles 
until  now. 
Eusehius  of  Ccesarea.  —  The  Metropolitan  of  Egypt 
hath  spoken  wisely,  and  inasmuch  as  the 
Church  of  Caesarea  holdeth  its  form  of 
words  from  apostolic  days,  we  present  to 
you  our  profession  of  faith  which  we  have 
received  from  the  Bishops  who  preceded 
us,  which  we  learned  being  subjects  of  the 
baptismal  vow,  and  which  we  have  ever 
taught  both  as  Presbyter  and  Bishop,  and 
it  is  this: 

We  believe  in  one  God,  the  Father 
Almighty,  Maker  of  all  things  visible 
and  invisible;  And  in  one  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  {from  now  on  Alexander  and  Atha- 
nasius  look  intently  at  Arius),  The  Word 
of  God,  God  of  God,  Light  of  Light. 
[During  this  sentence  Arius  and  Eusehius  of 
60 


ATHANASIUS 

Nicomedia  exchange  glances,  making  signs  to 
each  other  that  they  will  accept  this  article  as 
they  choose  to  interpret  it.] 

Arius  {aside).  — Yes,  yes. 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  The  only  begotten  Son. 

Arius  {aside).  —  Yes,  begotten,  but  before  he  was 
begotten,  he  was  not. 

Eusebius  of  CcBsarea.  —  The  first  born  of  every  creature. 

Arius  {aside).  —  Excellent,  of  every  creature  he  is 
indeed  the  first  born. 

Aihanasius  {aside  to  Alexander). — This  Symbol  will 
never  hold  them.  See  how  they  accept 
each  clause  with  nods  and  winks  which 
plainly  say  "We  can  get  around  that." 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Begotten  of  the  Father  before 
all  ages. 

Arius  {aside).  —  Before  all  time,  time  itself  being 
only  a  creature. 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  By  whom  all  things  were  made. 

Arius  {aside).  —  Aye,  aye,  we  will  admit  that  God 
created  through  his  Word. 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Who  for  our  salvation  was  made 

flesh  and  lived  among  men,  and   suffered 

and  rose  again  the  third  day,  and  ascended 

to   the    Father,    and    shall   come   again   in 

6i 


ATHANASIUS 

glory  to  judge  quick  and  dead.  We  believe 
also  in  one  Holy  Spirit.  Amen.  This  is 
the  Symbol  or  Creed  of  Cssarea. 

liosius.  —  Do  ye  all  accept  and  believe  the  articles 
of  the  Christian  Faith  as  contained  in  the 
Creed  of  Caesarea  t 

The  Nicene  Fathers.  —  I  do. 

[There  is  a  brief  -pause  during  which  Arius  and 
Eusebius  of  Nicomedia  exchange  pleased  glances. 
Arius  rubs  his  hands  together  in  sign  of  satisfaction.] 

Alexander.  —  My  brethren,  I  ask  permission  to  have 
the  voice  of  the  Egyptian  Church  heard 
through  the  mouth  of  Athanasius,  mine 
own  son  in  the  faith.  Let  no  man  despise 
his  youth,  for  he  hath  been  an  example 
to  believers  in  word,  in  manner  of  life,  in 
charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity.  More- 
over he  hath  given  attendance  to  reading 
and  hath  not  neglected  the  gift  that  is  in 
him,  as  many  of  you  do  know  who  have  read 
his  treatise  on  the  Incarnation. 

Marcellus.  —  A  most  excellent  work ! 

Arius  {to  Eusebius  of  Nicomedia).  —  Heard   you    ever 
such    insolence,    to    push    forward    in    this 
assembly  his  insignificant  little  deacon! 
62 


ATHANASIUS 

Eusebius  of  Nicomedia  {to  Arius).  —  Vex  not  thyself, 
Arius,  he  will  not  make  a  stir  here  as  he 
hath  done  in  his  native  city.  Thou  wilt 
soon  silence  him. 

Hosius.  —  Athanasius,  Archdeacon  of  Alexandria,  thou 
art  permitted  to  speak. 

Athanasius.  —  I  think  myself  happy,  most  noble  Con- 
stantine  and  my  reverend  Fathers,  that  I 
am  permitted  to  speak  for  the  Church  of 
EgyP^j  for  I  my&ei&^m-d:  Gopt,  an  Egyptian 
-ef^he  Egyptians.-  I  was  born  in  Alexandria, 
I  have  learned  in  her  schools  and  have 
been  nurtured  in  her  Church,  a«d— as— a 
child  whose  head  is  pillowed  on  his  mother's 
breast  hears  her  faithful  heart  beating  with 
-levtrfef-iiifiv^o  have  I  listened  throughout 
these  troubled  years  at  the  heart  of  Egypt, 
and  I  know  that  its  every  beat  is  true  to 
the  Catholic  Faith,  so  that  when  I  speak  for 
the  Church  of  Alexandria,  I  speak  for  all 
apostolic  churches  that  hold  the  faith  once 
for  all  delivered  to  the  saints.  The  Creed 
of  Caesarea,  to  which  we  have  just  given 
our  assent,  is  in  substance,  and  almost  in 
form,  the  Creed  we  all  learned  when  we  were 

63 


ATHANASIUS 

baptized  into  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Before 
this  Arian  madness  assailed  the  Church, 
this  Creed  was  sufficient  for  our  reverent 
and  adoring  faith,  for  until  these  sad  days 
no  one  who  called  himself  a  Christian  has 
ever  doubted  the  true  godhead  of  Jesus 
Christ.  But  now  this  Creed  is  no  longer 
explicit  enough  to  express  the  true  mind  of 
the  Church,  since  Arius  and  his  followers 
can  put  a  double  meaning  on  what  is  so 
plain  to  us,  since  they  can  subscribe  to  the 
Creed,  and  yet  hold  a  doctrine  so  utterly 
at  variance  with  the  faith  of  the  Church. 

The  very  fact  that  they  say  *'yea,  yea"  when 
we  put  forth  our  Symbol  shows  that  we  have 
not  expressed  our  faith  with  sufficient  and 
incontrovertiM€.^lainness  of  meaning.  Oh, 
we  know  Arius  well  in  Alexandria,  and  even 
thou,  Illustrious  Emperour,  hast  written 
that  when  he  looks  most  sweet  and  calm, 
he  is  most  serpentine  and  obscure  in  his 
utterance. 

My  venerable  Fathers,  wherefore  have  we 
come  together.''  To  speak  in  uncertain  tones.? 

64 


ATHANASIUS 

To  hang  a  mist  of  doubtful  language  before 
the  truth,  so  that  one  shall  say  "I  see  this," 
and  another  "I  see  that"?  Nay,  we  have 
come  to  dispel  obscurity,  first  by  declaring 
what  it  is  that  the  Church  has  always  be- 
lieved and  taught  with  regard  to  her  Lord, 
and  then  by  putting  it  into  such  language 
that  for  all  time  men  shall  know  what  is 
the  Catholic  Faith,  and  that  none  shall  be 
able  to  say  it  is  other  than  what  it  is. 

Eustathius.  —  But  I  see  not  how  language  could  be  any 
plainer  than  what  we  have  used.  Doth 
not  the  Creed  of  Caesarea  say  that  Jesus 
Christ  is  the  Son  of  God,  the  only  begotten 
Son,  begotten  of  the  Father  before  all  ages.? 
Can  human  language  say  more  than  that.? 

Athanasius.  —  It  would  seem  not,  and  yet  the  Arians 
have  twisted  even  such  a  declaration  till 
it  no  longer  holds  them  to  the  confession 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  very  and  eternal  God. 

Eustathius.  —  How  then  shall  we  strengthen  our  Con- 
fession ? 

Athanasius.  —  There  is  only  one  word  that  we  have 
as  yet  found  that  cannot  be  perverted  to 
mean  other  or  less  than  it  says.     {He  takes 

65 


ATHANASIUS 

from  Alexander  a  letter^  In  this  letter 
written  by  the  Bishop  of  Nicomedia  to  set 
forth  the  views  of  himself  and  Arius,  he 
saith  that  they  will  not  acknowledge  that 
the  Son  is  of  one  substance  with  the  Father. 

The  Nicene  Fathers.  —  Shame !     Shame ! 

[Marcellus  snatches  the  letter  from  the  hand  of  Athana- 
sius,  tears  it  into  pieces  and  throws  it  on  the  ground.] 

Constantine.  —  I  propose  that  into  the  Creed  which 
hath  always  been  held  by  the  Catholic 
Church  we  insert  the  word  "Homoousion" 
to  confess  that  we  believe  the  Son  to  be  of 
one  substance  with  the  Father. 

Nicene  Fathers  (rising).  —  Homoousion!  Homoousion! 
Homoousion! 

Athanasius  {raising  the  banner  of  *' Homoousion*').  — 
The  Church  hath  confessed  her  faith  that 
the  Son  is  of  one  substance  with  the  Father, 
and  we  have  erected  a  bulwark  of  the 
faith  ^  against  which  the  waves  of  heresy 
shall  beat  in  vain. 

Arius  {springing  to  his  feet  excitedly).  —  Not  so  fast, 
thou  pigmy,  thou  paltry  manniken  of  Alex- 
andria.    In  Egypt  I  was  persecuted  by  thee, 

1  The  Nicene  Creed  "A  bulwalk  of  the  Faith." — Luther. 

66 


ATHANASIUS 

and  expelled  from  the  City  because  I  agreed 
not  with  thy  doctrine,  but  here  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Augustus  and  of  the  Church,  I 
will  be  heard,  and  this  I  say,  that  the  Son, 
though  begotten  of  God,  hath  not  the  same 
essence,  power  and  glory  with  Him,  but 
is  altogether  different  in  his  nature.  He  is 
of  different  substance,  Heterousion.  {He 
raises  his  banner.) 

The  Nicene  Fathers  {excitedly).  —  No,  no,  down  with 
it!     Out  with  it! 

Theophilus.  —  How  excitable  these  Orientals  are!  See 
how  they  work  themselves  up  into  a  frenzy. 

Athanasius.  —  Ah,  Theophilus,  thou  son  of  the  chilly 
North,  we  are  indeed  filled  with  a  frenzy 
and  passion  of  holy  fear,  for  we  are  con- 
tending for  our  all. 

Eusebius  of  Nicomedia  {suavely). — Arius,  thou  hast 
gone  too  far.  We  cannot  accept  thy  Heter- 
ousion. {In  an  undertone)  Thou  hast  mis- 
read the  temper  of  this  Council,  thou 
shouldst  never  have  spoken  so  plainly. 

Arius  {aside  to  Eusebius).  —  I  fear  not;  when  I  have  had 
my  say  they  will  come  over  to  me.  {Rais- 
ing his  voice)  Most  noble  Constantine,  seeing 

67 


ATHANASIUS 

thou  art  a  lover  of  truth,  and  hast  an  open 
mind  ready  to  welcome  all  new  light  and 
to  march  fearlessly  where  that  light  shall 
lead,  and  ye,  my  Fathers  and  Brothers, 
honoured  and  beloved,  who  are  not  held  in 
bondage  by  tradition,  nor  to  be  affrighted 
by  the  cramping  fears  of  narrow-minded 
men,  I  speak  to  you  with  all  thankfulness 
for  your  intelligence  and  for  the  fair- 
mindedness  with  which  I  know  that  I  shall 
be  heard.  I  have  been  persecuted,  accused 
of  heresy,  forbidden  to  teach  in  mine  own 
pulpit,  driven  from  Alexandria  where  I  was 
listened  to  with  deep  respect  and  greatly 
loved,  and  why  ?  Because  I  had  the  courage 
of  my  opinions,  because  I  taught  the  truth 
as  it  seemed  to  me. 

Paphnutius.  —  Arius,  I  was  present  at  thine  ordination, 
and  I  heard  thee  promise  to  teach  the  truth 
as  the  Church  of  Egypt  hath  received  the 
same.  In  thy  pulpit  at  Baukalis  thou  wast 
a  minister  of  the  Christian  Church  and 
a  steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God. 

Potammon.  —  If  thou  desirest  to  teach  a  system  of 
thine  own,  no  one  would  hinder  thee,  as 
68 


ATHANASIUS 

long  as  thou  dost  not  call  it  Catholic  Chris- 
tianity, and  proclaim  it  from  a  pulpit  of 
the  Church. 

Arius.  —  I  pray  this  noble  company  to  forgive  the  rude 
interruption  of  these  Bishops  of  the  out- 
lying provinces. 

Alexander.  —  Remember,  Arius,  the  Bishops  of  the 
Thebaid  and  of  Heraclopolis  are  Con- 
fessors of  Christ,  and  they  bear  on  their 
bodies  scars  that  claim  our  reverence  and 
love. 

Arius  {shrugging  his  shoulders).  —  I  pray  this  hon- 
oured company  of  their  clemency  to  hear 
me  further.  I  find  my  "system"  in  Holy 
Scripture,  for  which  I  have  as  great  a 
respect  as  any  here,  but  what,  I  ask  you, 
is  the  key-note  of  the  Old  Testament.?  Is 
it  not  this:  "Hear,  O  Israel,  the  Lord  our 
God  is  one  Lord.?"  I  am  a  worshipper  of 
one  God,  and  therefore  I  say  that  there  is 
a  Trinity,  but  not  all  alike  in  majesty,  for 
have  ye  not  read  the  words  of  Christ  him- 
self, "My  Father  is  greater  than  I.?"  And 
did  not  Peter  in  his  Pentecostal  sermon 
declare  that  "God  hath  made  Jesus  both 

69 


ATHANASIUS 

God  and  Lord?"  Therefore,  I  say  that 
the  Son  was  the  first  of  creatures,  and  in 
that  sense  the  only  begotten,  created  in 
order  that  by  his  means  God  might  create 
us,  but  there  was  when  he  was  not,  and  he 
is  incapable  of  thoroughly  knowing  either 
the  Father's  nature  or  his  own. 

Athanasius  {sternly). — Answer  me  one  word,  Arius, 
and  then  thou  needst  go  no  further,  for  we 
shall  all  understand  thee.  Thou  hast  said 
that  the  Son  is  incapable  of  thoroughly 
knowing  either  the  Father's  nature  or  His 
own  because  He  is  a  creature,  and  there  was 
when  He  was  not, — can  then  this  exalted 
creature  change  from  good  to  evil.? 

Arius.  —  Yes,  as  the  angels  fell  from  good  to  evil,  so 
might  he. 

[Great  excitement.] 

The  Nicene  Fathers  {with  horror  stopping  their  ears).  — 
Blasphemy!     Blasphemy! 

Alexander  {rending  his  robe) .  —  O  Lord,  rebuke  us 
not  in  thine  indignation! 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Neither  chasten  us  in  thy  heavy 
displeasure. 

Alexander.  —  Kyrie  Eleison ! 

70 


■ 

■ 

HI 

B 

i 

■ 

1 

^H^^l 

m^r 

^^_ 

1 

^^H|^»> 

^^ 

PV-                  -^ 

HM» 

|1 

1 

W^r 

^^i£,2 

j| 

I 

1 

■   ^^ 

7^ 

1 

■ 

1 

m 

1 

^^^^^M ,     X~ 

1 

1 

j 

1 

1 

^^^H 

^^^^g2i^^^^^— 

1 

1 

1 

ATHANASIUS 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Christe  Eleison ! 

Athanasius.  —  Thou  hast  filled  up  the  measure  of  thine 
iniquity,  Arius,  and  hast  changed  the  glory 
of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  image 
made  like  to  corruptible  man. 

Hosius.  —  Let  all  things  proceed  decently  and  in  order. 
I  ask  the  Council  what  is  their  verdict  and 
wish  with  respect  to  the  banner  of  Arius. 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Down  with  it,  down  with  it,  take  it 
away! 

Constantine.  —  Remove  this  impiety,  lest  the  roof  fall 
on  us. 
[A  Page  takes  the  ba?iner  out  of  the  Church.] 

Eusehius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Let  us  remember,  my  dearly 
beloved  brethren,  that  we  are  messengers 
of  the  Gospel  of  Peace,  and  that  sharp 
contention  and  angry  words  do  not  become 
us.  We  all  profess  and  call  ourselves  Chris- 
tians; there  surely  must  be  some  expression 
of  our  faith  which  is  wide  enough  to  include 
us  all.  It  is  certain  that  we  cannot  say 
that  the  Son  is  of  different  substance  from 
the  Father,  but  since  the  Homoousion  is  not 
acceptable  to  some  of  our  brethren,  should 
we  not  in  charity  abandon  that  word,  which 
71 


ATHANASIUS 

is  not  found  in  Holy  Scripture  and  which  in 
times  past  has  led  to  misunderstanding, 
and  take  a  word  to  which  we  can  all  give 
assent.  I  propose  that  we  insert  in  our 
Creed  the  word  *'Homoiousion"  to  declare 
that  we  believe  the  Son  to  be  of  like  sub- 
stance with  the  Father. 
[The  banner  of  " Homoiousion"  is  raised.] 

Eusebius  of  Nicomedia. — The  Bishop  of  Caesarea  hath 
spoken  wisely  and  in  the  true  interests  of 
peace.  I  trust  that  no  one  here  {he  looks 
savagely  at  Athanasius)  is  so  conceited  and 
swollen  with  pride  as  to  set  his  own  opinion 
against  that  of  a  scholar  of  such  profound 
learning  and  winning  eloquence  as  Eusebius 
of  Caesarea.  For  my  part,  I  am  willing  to 
accept  the  term  "Homoiousion."  {Aside 
to  Arius)  Thou  too  must  accept  this  term, 
for  until  we  have  gained  the  victory  we 
must  be  careful  to  make  the  difference 
between  ourselves  and  the  Catholic  Faith 
look  as  small  as  possible. 

Arius    {to  Eusebius  of  Nicomedia).  —  Yes,  yes,    it    is 
wisdom  to  accept  it  now.    Of  like  substance, 
—  the  Son  is  like  the  Father,  —  so  are  all 
72 


ATHANASIUS 

men,  created  in  His  image.  {Aloud  to  the 
Council)  The  term  Homoiousion  would  not 
be  my  choice,  and  yet  in  the  interests 
of  peace  and  unity  I  am  willing  to  accept 
it  and  to  subscribe  to  the  statement  that 
the  Son  is  of  like  substance  with  the  Father. 

Theonas.  —  How  broad-minded  is  Arius ! 

Secundus.  —  What  an  example  to  us  all! 

Hosius.  —  My  brethren,  let  us  hear  further  of  your 
mind  in  this  matter. 

Spyridion.  —  I  do  not  see  any  grave  objection  to  the 
term,  and  yet  to  my  ear  it  giveth  a  some- 
what uncertain  sound,  as  if  there  were  a 
little  rift  within  the  pipe.  When  on  the 
hill-sides  of  Cyprus  I  call  my  sheep,  I  ever 
pipe  a  full,  clear  note  that  doth  not  wheeze, 
and  when  in  my  little  Church  by  the  Sea 
I  gather  the  children  about  me  to  teach 
them  the  articles  of  our  belief,  I  like  to 
use  words  whose  meaning  is  as  crystal  clear 
as  the  lapping  waters  that  break  on  the 
yellow,  pebbly  beach.  Still,  I  come  from 
a  quiet  corner  of  the  world,  and  if  ye,  my 
reverend  and  learned  Fathers,  feel  that 
this  word  doth  confess  that  Jesus  Christ 

73 


ATHANASIUS 

is   true  God  and   eternal  Life,   I   will  not 
oppose  myself. 

James  oj  Nisibis.  —  I,  too,  come  from  a  quiet  corner 
and  from  a  hermit's  cave,  but  it  seems  to 
me  that  the  question  before  us  hath  a  sharp 
edge  which  should  cut  through  all  uncer- 
tainty. And  the  edge  is  this:  what  does  of 
like  substance  mean }  We  that  dwell  much 
in  solitude  and  silence  think  more  of  facts 
than  of  words.  The  fact  is  that  Jesus 
Christ  is  very  God.  It  is  for  you  who 
dwell  together  and  deal  in  words  to  say 
whether  "of  like  substance"  truly  expresses 
the  fact.  If  ye  say  that  it  doth,  then  I  am 
willing  to  accept  it  for  myself  and  to  teach 
it  to  my  people. 

Paul  of  Neo-Ccesarea.  —  I  do  not  heartily  like  the  term 
"Homoiousion"  because  it  hath  no  fixed 
meaning,  but  can  be  made  to  slide  to  any 
point  where  our  private  opinion  would  have 
it,  but  still  if  the  other  .  .  . 

Marcellus   {fiercely). — Yes,   and    be   sure    that  Arius 

will  slide  the  meaning  down  till  it  suit  his 

own  evil  thought,  so  that  although  we  may 

confess  that  the  Son  is  one  with  the  Father, 

74 


ATHANASIUS 

yet  they  will  still  say  that  He  is  a  creature, 
however  high  they  may  pretend  to  place 
Him.  Thus  under  a  specious  mask  of 
agreeing  with  us,  will  they  veil  their 
blasphemy,  and  continue  to  sow  the  seeds 
of  idolatry  and  atheism. 

Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Thou  art  too  vehement,  my 
good  Brother.  Be  pleased  to  remember 
that  in  this  Council  we  are  seeking  light, 
not  heat. 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  we  are  seeking  light,  for  we  are 
seeking  Christ  Who  is  the  only  light  of  this 
dark  world,  and  we  have  His  promise  that 
seeking  we  shall  find.  But,  look  you, 
beloved,  he  that  would  find  a  star  must 
put  out  his  candle,  and  if  we  would  find  the 
bright  and  morning  star,  we  must  lay  aside 
self-will  and  refuse  to  be  blinded  by  those 
ingenious  systems  of  philosophy,  the  fabri- 
cation of  disbelieving  minds.  /Arius,  thy 
doctrine  had  its  source  and  origin  within 
thyself,  but  the  Catholic  Religion  came 
down  from  heaven  and  is  the  gift  of  God, 
for  which  one  among  us  could  have  ascended 
into  heaven  to  bring  it  down?  If  man  could 
75 


ATHANASIUS 

have  found  God  for  himself,  then  need  not 
God  have  taken  upon  Him  our  flesh  and 
suffered  for  our  salvation.  We  cannot 
fly  into  the  secrets  of  the  Deity  on  the 
waxen  wings  of  the  understanding,  for  the 
ways  of  God  are  not  as  our  ways  and  His 
thoughts  are  as  high  above  our  understand- 
ing as  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth. 
We  can  only  know  God  as  He  hath  revealed 
Himself  to  the  Church  in  Jesus  Christ, 
His  Son,  our  Lord. 
We  have  heard  much  in  this  Council  about  peace. 
The  Bishop  of  Caesarea  has  just  reminded 
us  that  we  are  messengers  of  the  Gospel 
of  Peace,  and  our  renowned  Emperour 
has  touchingly  appealed  to  us  for  unity 
in  the  name  of  the  Prince  of  Peace.  Precious 
indeed  is  the  name  of  Peace,  O  Eusebius,^ 
beautiful  the  idea  of  Unity,  O  Constantine! 
But  who  knows  not  that  the  only  true 
unity  of  the  Churches,  the  only  true  peace 
of  the  gospel,  is  the  unity  in  Christ.?     Peace 

^Hilary:  "Precious  is  the  name  of  Peace;  beautiful  the  idea 
of  unity,  but  who  knows  not  that  the  only  true  unity  of 
the  Churches,  the  only  true  peace  of  the  Gospel,  is  the  unity  in 
Christ." 

76 


ATHANASIUS 

and  unity  must  be  founded  on  truth,  for 
truth  alone  unites,  error  hopelessly  confuses 
and  divides. 1  Therefore,  it  is  not  in  the 
interests  of  peace  to  surrender  one  atom 
of  the  truth.  We  can  win  and  preserve 
unity  and  peace  for  the  Church  only  by 
keeping  the  Catholic  Faith  whole  and 
undefiled.  Christ  and  His  Apostles  left 
us  not  a  system  of  logic  nor  a  vain  deceit, 
but  the  naked  truth  to  guard,  and  we  dare 
not  in  the  name  of  peace  barter  away  those 
precious  things  of  which  we  have  been 
made  stewards. ^  Let  us,  therefore,  con- 
tend earnestly  for  the  Faith  once  for  all 
delivered  to  the  saints,  our  love  abounding 
more  and  more  in  knowledge,  not  to  cry 
"Peace,  peace"  where  there  is  no  peace, 
but  that  we  may  prove  the  things  that 
differ,  so  that  we  may  be  sincere  and  with- 
out offence  unto  the  day  of  Christ.  Seeing 
then,  my  friends,   that  we  cannot  by  our 

^  Du  Bose:  "Truth  alone  unites;  error  only  hopelessly  con- 
fuses and  divides." 

2  Lambeth  Encyclical,  1908:  "We  dare  not  in  the  name  of 
peace  barter  away  those  precious  things  of  which  we  have  been 
made  stewards." 

77 


ATHANASIUS 

own  searching  find  out  God,  as  the  pagan 
philosophers  and  certain  in  our  own  day  have 
vainly  essayed  to  do,  but  that  we  can  only 
know  God  as  He  hath  revealed  Himself  to 
the  Church,  let  us  turn  first  to  the  Church's 
written  record,  this  Fountain  of  our  Sal- 
vation {laying  his  hand  on  the  Gospels). 

Arius,  thou  too  hast  turned  to  the  Scriptures; 
so  did  Satan  who  when  he  bent  himself 
against  the  sinlessness  of  Christ,  wrested 
what  was  written  to  his  own  undoing.  We 
must  come  to  the  Scriptures  with  an  open 
mind,  ready  to  follow  whithersoever  they 
may  lead.  But  thou  hast  ignored  the  pur- 
pose and  tenor  of  Holy  Writ,  leaving  those 
things  which  suited  not  thy  doctrine  and 
wresting  others  from  their  context  and  true 
meaning. 

See,  yonder,  at  the  feet  of  the  Emperour,  is 
wrought  into  this  building  the  figure  of  a 
fish.  It  is  composed  of  many  pieces  of 
coloured  stones.  We  could  displace  those 
stones,  and  rearranging  them  into  another 
figure,  form  the  image  of  a  serpent  or  of  a 
man  or  of  anything  we  chose.  So  hast 
78 


ATHANASIUS 

thou,  Arius,  ravished  from  Holy  Scripture 

precious  gems   that  in   their  proper  place 

reveal  to  us  our  Saviour,  and  used  them  to 

make  for  thine  own  purpose  an  image  which 

is  not  He.     Thou  takest  the  words  of  our 

Lord,  "My  Father  is  greater  than  I,"  but 

thou  ignorest  that  He  also  said,  "I  and  the 

Father  are  one."    But  the  Church,  receiving 

every  word  of  her  Lord,  teacheth  that  the 

Son  is  subordinate  to  the  Father  as  touching 

His  Sonship,  but  that  He  is  equal  to  the 

Father  as   touching  His  Godhead.     Again, 

thou  dost  wrest  the  words  of  St.  Paul  to 

mean  that  Christ  is  only  the  first  of  all 

creatures,  whereas  the  heavens  were  opened 

and  the  Spirit  of  God  descended  like  a  dove 

to   declare   that  Jesus   Christ   is   the   only 

begotten  Son  of  God,  which  cannot  mean 

anything  else  than  that  He  received  from  the 

Father  the  essential  nature  of  the  Father.^ 

He  is  indeed  the  beginning  of  the  creation 

of  God,  not  as  being  the  first  thing  created, 

'  Du  Bose:  "...  Sonship  which  the  Church  ascribes  to 
him  alone,  and  which  cannot  mean  anything  less  than  that 
he  received  from  the  Father  the  essential  nature  of  the 
Father." 

79 


ATHANASIUS 

but  because  by  Him  all  things  were  made 
and  apart  from  Him  was  not  anything  made. 

We  are  not  free  to  say  we  do  not  see,  for  the 
Godhead  of  Christ  shineth  out  from  every 
portion  of  the  written  word.  He  claimed 
for  Himself  the  unspeakable  name  "I  Am," 
whereat  the  wrathful  Jews  took  up  stones 
to  stone  Him.  He  accepted  the  worship 
of  men.  He  was  put  to  death  because  He 
claimed  to  be  God. 

And  what  the  Church  hath  recorded  in  the 
Scriptures,  she  hath  ever  taught  and  prac- 
tised from  the  day  when  Christ  sent  her 
forth  to  make  disciples  of  all  nations,  placing 
His  own  name  between  that  of  the  Father 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,^  into  which  name 
we  are  all  baptized. 

I  ask  you,  Bishops  of  the  Church,  who  can 
trace  your  line  back  to  the  Apostles  and 
who  know  what  has  been  taught  in  your 
Sees  for  nearly  three  hundred  years,  since 
Christ  ascended  into  heaven,  has  there 
been  one  day  when  He  has  not  been  wor- 
shipped as  God  by  the  Church.'* 

^  Edw.  M.  Jefferys:  Sermon  on  Hebrews  xiii,  lo. 
80 


ATHANASIUS 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  No,  not  one. 

Athanasius.  —  Has  He  not  reigned  with  absolute 
sovereignty  over  her  life? 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Yes,  verily. 

Athanasius.  —  Hath  she  not  ever  enthroned  Him  as 
very  and  eternal  God.f* 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Yes. 

Athanasius.  —  The  traditions  of  the  Church  no  less 
than  Holy  Scripture  prove  that  the  Son  is 
of  one  substance  with  the  Father,  and 
though  this  is  a  new  term,  yet  is  it  the  ex- 
pression of  an  old  belief,  an  old  worship 
and  an  old  devotion  of  soul.^  Arius,  thou 
makest  thy  boast  that  thou  art  a  wor- 
shipper of  one  God.  Art  thou  indeed 
ignorant  that  the  Catholic  Faith  is  this, 
that  we  worship  one  God  in  Trinity,  and 
Trinity  in  Unity;  neither  confounding 
the  Persons,  nor  dividing  the  Substance.^ 
Thou  hast  indeed  a  Trinity  of  thine  own 
imagining,  one  supreme  and  two  subordi- 
nate beings,  but   there   not  only  thy  faith 

^Wace:  (quoted  by  Bright).  "A  new  term,  yet  is  it  the 
expression  of  an  old  belief,  an  old  worship,  and  an  old  habitual 
devotion  of  soul." 

8i 


ATHANASIUS 

but  thy  boasted  reasoning  is  at  fault,  for 
he  that  is  less  than  God  is  not  God,^  there- 
fore either  admit  that  the  Son  is  of  one 
substance  with  the  Father,  or  else  cease  to 
worship  Him. 
My  brethren.  Shepherds  and  Bishops  of  the 
Flock  of  Christ,  once  in  the  borders  of 
Caesarea  Philippi  our  Lord  asked  His  dis- 
ciples this  question,  "Whom  say  ye  that  I 
am?"  To-day  our  Lord  comes  again  to 
His  Church,  still  with  the  same  question, 
"Whom  say  ye  that  I  am?"  Lift  up  your 
hearts!  Look  upon  Him  risen  from  the 
dead,  ascended  into  heaven,  sitting  on  the 
right  hand  of  God!  See  the  prints  of 
the  nails  and  the  wounded  side!  Hear  His 
voice  speaking  to  you,  "Whom  say  ye  that 
lam?" 

Nicene  Fathers  {rising  and  crying  with  enthusiasm).  — 
Thou  art  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  living 
God! 

Athanasius.  —  Shall  we  say  that  He  is  of  different 
substance  from  the  Father? 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  No,  no,  God  forbid! 

^  St.  Augustine:   "He  that  is  less  than  God  is  not  God." 

82 


ATHANASIUS 

Athanasius.  —  Shall  we  be  content  to  say  that  He  is 
of  Hke  substance  with  the  Father? 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  No,  no ! 

Athanasius.  —  What  shall  we  say? 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  He  is  of  One  substance  with  the 
Father.     Homoousion! 

Alexander.  —  Flesh  and  blood  hath  not  revealed  it 
unto  us,  but  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

Constantine.  —  Arius,  thou  hast  heard  the  voice  of  the 
Church,  wilt  thou  renounce  thy  heresy 
and  confess  with  us  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
Very  God  of  one  substance  with  the  Father? 

Arius.  —  I  have  chosen  my  own  way  and  I  will  abide  in  it. 

Constantine.  —  Then  art  thou  banished  from  our  pres- 
ence, and  we  decree  that  thy  books  shall  be 
burned,  that  the  Church  of  God  be  not 
poisoned  by  thy  blasphemous  doctrine. 

Alexander.  —  Arius,  thou  art  excluded  from  the  Com- 
munion of  the  Church  of  Egypt,  for  he 
that  believeth  not  is  condemned  already, 
because  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name  of 
the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 

Constantine.  —  Depart! 

[Arius  bows  low  to  the  Emperour  and  starts  to  leave^  hut 
turns  again  and  addresses  Eusehius  of  Nicomedia.] 

83 


ATHANASIUS 

Arius.  —  And  thou,  wilt  thou  subscribe  to  this  Creed  ? 

Eusebius  oj  Nicomedia  {aside  to  Arius).  —  I  yield  me 
now  and  abide  my  time,  but  have  no  fear, 
I  shall  gain  the  ear  of  the  Emperour  and 
undo  this  day's  work. 

Arius  {co7itemptuously). — Thou  trimmer!     Thou  wilt 
gain  nothing  by  thy  weakness;    I  shall  see 
thee  too  in  exile. 
[He  starts  again  to  go,  but  stops  before  Athanasius.] 

Arius.  —  I  will  yet  be  thy  destruction. 

Angel  of  Vision  {standing  before  Athanasius  with  a 
drawn  sword,  but  invisible  to  the  eye  of  flesh). 
—  How  shalt  thou  destroy  whom  God  pro- 
tects ? 

[Exit  Arius.] 

Alexander  {looking  after  him  sadly). — And  he  went 
out,  and  it  was  night. 

Hosius.  —  Thanks  be  to  God  Who  hath  given  unto  us 
His  servants  grace  by  the  confession  of  a 
true  faith  to  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the 
eternal  Trinity,  and  in  the  power  of  the 
Divine  Majesty  to  worship  the  Unity. 

Constantine.  —  May  He  keep  us  steadfast  in  this  faith, 
and  evermore  defend  us  from  all  adversity. 
Let  us  now  finish  our  work  by  setting  forth 
84 


ATHANASIUS 

what  shall  be  to  all  future  ages  known  as 

the  Symbol  of  Nicaea. 
[A  scribe  takes  his  place  at  the  table.] 
Hosius.  —  I  believe  in  one  God,  the  Father  Almighty. 
Eusebius  of  Ccesarea.  —  Maker   of  heaven  and  earth, 

and  of  all  things  visible  and  invisible. 
Eustathius  of  Antioch. — And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

the  only  begotten  Son  of  God. 
Nicene  Fathers.  —  And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 

only  begotten  Son  of  God. 
Paul  of  Neo-CcBsarea.  —  Begotten  of  His  Father  before 

all  worlds. 
Nicene   Fathers.  —  Begotten  of  His   Father  before   all 

worlds. 
Potammon  of  Heraclopolis.  —  God  of  God. 
Nicene  Fathers.  —  God  of  God. 

Paphnutius  of  the  Upper  Thebaid.  —  Light  of  Light. 
Nicene  Fathers.  —  Light  of  Light. 
Alexander.  —  Very  God  of  Very  God. 
Nicene  Fathers.  —  Very  God  of  Very  God. 
Marcellus  of  Ancyra.  —  Begotten,  7iot  made. 
Nicene  Fathers.  —  Begotten,  not  made. 
Athanasius.  —  Being  of  one  substance  with  the  Father. 
Nicene   Fathers.  —  Being   of  one   substance   with   the 

Father. 

85 


ATHANASIUS 

[As  they  say  this,  they  raise  their  right 
hands  to  heaven.] 
James  of  Nisibis.  —  By  whom  all  things  were  made. 
Spyridion  of  Cyprus.  —  Who  for  us  men  and  for  our 

salvation  came  down  from  heaven. 
Theophilus.  —  And   was  incarnate  by  the  Holy  Ghost 

of  the  Virgin  Mary. 
Co7istantine .  —  And  was  made  man.     O  ineffable  con- 
descension! 

[He  kneels,  removing  his  crown.] 
Nicene  Fathers  {all  kneeling). — And  was  made  man. 

[After  a  pause  they  all  rise.] 
Victor.  —  And  was  crucified  also  for  us  under  Pontius 

Pilate.     He  suffered  and  was  buried. 
Vincentius.  —  And  the  third  day  he  rose  again  accord- 
ing to  the  Scriptures. 
Eustathius.  —  And  ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth 

on  the  right  hand  of  God. 
John,  Catholicos  of  the  Church  of  the  Farther  East.  — 
And  he  shall  come  again  with  glory  to  judge 
both  the  quick  and  dead. 
Athanasius.  —  Whose  kingdom  shall  have  no  end. 
Alexander.  —  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Hosius.  —  But  those  who  say  "there  was  once  when  he 
was  not"  or  ** before  he  was  begotten  he 
86 


ATHANASIUS 

was  not"  or  maintain  that  the  Son  of  God 
is  of  different  essence  from  the  Father, 
these  doth  the  CathoHc  Church  anathe- 
matize. 

Nicene  Fathers.  —  Amen. 

Hosius.  —  Let    us    now    subscribe    to    this    Creed    by 
affixing  our  names  thereto,  in  witness  that 
to     his    Symbol  we  will  be  faithful  until 
death. 
[The  Nicene  Fathers  come  up  to  sign  their  7ia7nes, 
with  the  exception  of  Theonas  and  Secundus.] 

Constantine.  —  Theonas,  Bishop  of  Marmarica,  and 
Secundus,  Bishop  of  Ptolomais,  do  ye  not 
subscribe  to  the  Catholic  Symbol.'* 

Theonas.  —  No,  we  abide  with  Arius. 

Constantine.  —  Then  with  Arius  go  into  exile. 
[Exeunt  Theonas  and  Secundus.] 

Constantine  {to  Acesius,  who  is  standing  near  him,  wait- 
ing to  sign  the  Creed). — Art  thou  a  schis- 
matic, Acesius.'' 

Acesius.  —  My  lord,  I  am  a  Novation,  but  a  true 
Catholic. 

Constantine.  —  Then  thou  wilt  communicate  with  thy 
fellow  Catholics.'* 

Acesius.  —  Not  so,  my  lord,  for  the  discipline  of  the 

87 


ATHANASIUS 

Church  is  too  lax,  and  I  will  not  counte- 
nance such  softness  and  luxury. 

Constantine    {impatiently). — Then,    Acesius,    take     a 
ladder  and  climb  up  into  heaven  by  thy- 
self. 
\When  the  Nicene  Fathers  have  all  signed,  they 
resume  their  seats.] 

Constantine.  —  Give  me  joy,  my  friends,  and  dear 
brothers  in  the  faith,  for  now  is  the  desire 
of  my  heart  fulfilled.  We  all  believe  in  one 
God  and  worship  in  His  name.  The  power 
of  Satan  has  been  thwarted  and  the  splen- 
dour of  the  truth  at  God's  command  has 
vanquished  the  dissensions,  schisms  and 
tumults  which  have  invaded  the  repose  of 
the  Church  and  Empire.  Heaviness  may 
endure  for  a  night,  but  joy,  joy  cometh  in 
the  morning.  The  spectral  cloud  which 
has  been  hanging  over  the  Church,  threaten- 
ing to  burst  and  scatter  us  to  the  winds,  is 
now  dispersed  by  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness Who  has  penetrated  our  hearts  with 
light  and  love  and  peace.  I,  therefore, 
as  a  happy  ending  to  our  Council,  bid 
you    all    to    a    love    feast    at    the    palace 


ATHANASIUS 

to-morrow    night.     There,    as    round    the 
table    of   a    common     Father,    all    wrongs 
may  be  forgiven,  all  bitter   thoughts    for- 
got.^    There  ye  shall  help  me  to  celebrate, 
first    the    twentieth    anniversary   of    mine 
accession  to  the  Empire,  and  secondly,  the 
Victory  of  Nicaea,  the   Victory   that  over- 
cometh    the    world,    even    our    Faith. 
[They  all  rise.     The  Emperour  comes  forward  bearing 
the  Labarum.      He  signs  to  AthanasiuSy  who    comes 
and  stands  at  his  side,  holding  the  banner  of  Homoou- 
sion.     They  all  sing.] 

Deum  de  Deo 
Lumen  de  Lumine 
Gestant  puellae  viscera 
Deum  verum 
Genitum  non  factum 

Venite  adoremus  Dominum.     Amen. 
[Curtain] 

*  "As  round  the  table  of  our  common  Father 
All  wrongs  forgiv'n,  all  bitter  thoughts  forgot." 

—  Elizabeth  M.  Jefferys. 


89 


ACT   III 

Time  —  Thirty  years  after  the  Council. 

Place  —  The  Nitrian  Desert. 

Scene  I  —  A  place  near  the  Nile.     The  afternoon  of  a 

day  in  June. 
Scene  II  —  The  Chapel  of  the  Palms  in  the  Laura  of 

St.  Anthony.     An  hour  before  sunset. 

Peri5on0  Eepre^enteH 

[  Bishop  of  Alexandria  and  Metropolitan 

AtHANASIUS.        c   su    t-  11    j    <<t-u      d 

[of  All  Egypt,  called     The  Pope. 
A  Nile  Boatman. 
Discouragement. 
Vision. 

The  Aged  Hermit  and   Head  of  the 


St.  Anthony.    ,  ^ 

Community. 

Isidore.         1  _  _     , 

Monks. 
Ammonius.     J 

Abra. 

Anthusa.         Nuns. 

EUDi^MONIS. 

Other  Monks  and  Nuns. 

90 


ATHANASIUS 

Scene  I.  —  [The  edge  of  the  Nitrian  Desert.     A  bend  in 
the  Nile  is  visible.       Here  and  there  in  the  foreground 
a  palm.     Mountains  in   the  far  distance.     The  Angel 
of  Vision  is  seated  under  a  palm.] 
The  Angel  of  Vision  {speaking  thoughtfully) .  — 
Forth  from  the  gates  of  fair  Jerusalem 
Streams   the  glad    throng,  aquiver  with  sweet 

hope, 
Hastening  to  meet  the  King.     Their  eager  hands 
Now  strip   the  graceful  palms  whose  feathery 

boughs 
They  wave  in  rhythmic  exultation,  while 
Their  glad  hosannas  rend  the  balmy  air 
In  rich  and  many  voiced  harmony. 
Five  days  have  passed!     Only  five  little  days. 
Again    behold!     The    crowd    now    sways    with 

wrath 
And    seething    passion.     Dark    each    face    and 

grim. 
Hoarse  every  voice  and  dissonant  with  hate; 
"Yes,  crucify  Him,  on  our  heads  the  guilt, 
But  we  will  have  Him  crucified  to-day." 
Only  five  little  days  have  intervened. 

[The  Angel  rises  and  comes  forward.] 
O  Bride  of  Christ  that  in  Nicaea's  Halls 
91 


ATHANASIUS 

Confessed  thy  Lord  with  loving  heart,  and  voice 
So  firm  and  clear,  where  are  thy  palms  to-day? 
Where  are  thy  glad  hosannas?     Wilt  thou  too 
Reject  thy  lover  and  thy  Sovereign  Lord? 
Nay,  thou  afflicted  one,  thy  heart  is  true; 
By  thy  false  children  thou  hast  been  betrayed. 
Thine  own  they  never  were  except  in  name. 
For  when  through  thy  most  hospitable  doors 
Passed  Constantine,  there  followed  in  his  wake 
A  crowd  of  worldlings  and  adventurers 
Who  little  recked  of  thee  or  of  thy  Lord, 
But  hungered  for  the  solid  loaves  which  now 
Prosperity  hath  brought  thee.     Better  far 
The  rack  of  persecution,  the  scant  fare 
Of  holy  poverty  than  this  new  wealth 
Which  draws  to  thee  the  children  of  the  world. 
How  should  these  lovers  of  the  golden  calf 
Care  for  thy  heavenly  doctrine?     Verily 
The  Arian  demi-god  is  god  enough 
For  those  who  will  not  rise  above  the  earth. 
So  with  the  Arians  these  make  common  cause. 
Sure  that  they  hold  the  future  of  the  world. 
They  seize  thine  altars,  and  in  thy  great  name 
A  creed  proclaim  which  thou  hast  never  known. 
The  Emperour's  ear  they  gained,  and  craftily 
92 


ATHANASIUS 

Turned  his  untutored  mind  to  their  own  will. 

Then  the  honest,  simple  folk  who  seldom  think 

Followed  in  all  good  faith  the  golden  court, 

And  so  the  world  awoke  one  dreary  day, 

And  groaned  to  find  that  it  was  Arian. 

Hath  Christ  abandoned  thee,  O  stricken  Church  ? 

Art  thou  to  perish  like  an  earth-born  thing 

Because  an  earth-born  thing  oppresseth  thee? 

See,  on  the  bosom  of  the  glassy  Nile 

Glideth  this  way  a  boat.     Thy  champion  comes 

Flying  before  his  foes.     Yet  fear  not  thou 

For  him  who  fears  not  for  himself.     He  hides 

Only  until  this  tyranny  be  spent. 

With  temper  royal,  but  with  spirit  meek 

Again  will  Athanasius  fight  for  thee, 

And  yet  again,  until  he  wins  in  Christ 

Th'  eternal  victory  of  heavenly  truth. 

O  radiant  spirit,  faithful  unto  death. 

After  the  mighty  twelve  chief  instrument 

To  bring  the  world  to  Christ  and  to  the  light,^ 

Come  thou  apart  into  this  wilderness 

And  rest  awhile.    'Tis  Christ  who  biddeth  thee. 

^"A  principal  instrument,  after  the  Apostles,  by  which  the 
sacred  truths  of  Christianity  have  been  conveyed  and  secured  to 
the  world."  —  Newman. 

93 


ATHANASIUS 

[Enter  Athanasius  and  the  Nile  Boatman^  who  carries 
the  wallet  of  Atha7iasius  swung  over  his  oar. 
The  Angel  of  Vision  withdraws  into  the  background 
and  to  one  side] 

The  Boatma7i.  —  Now  from  here  I  can  show  thee  the 
place.     Dost  see  yonder  two  palms? 

Athanasius.  —  I  cannot  choose  but  see  them.  They 
stand  like  sentinels  in  the  loneliness  of  the 
desert. 

The  Boatman.  —  Yes,  there  are  no  others  near;  there 
is  a  spring  which  gives  them  life.  Now 
that  is  what  we  call  *'The  Chapel  of  the 
Palms."  The  cave  of  St.  Anthony  is  hard 
by.  Thou  canst  not  miss  it,  besides  thou 
art  like  to  find  some  of  the  hermits  pray- 
ing at  the  Chapel,  for  they  oft  resort  there 
at  eventide. 

Athanasius.  —  Then  leave  me  now,  good  friend,  and 
return  to  thy  boat;  but  first  accept  this 
piece  of  silver  from  my  slender  purse,  and 
with  it  a  poor  traveler's  thanks.  [Te^iders 
him  the  piece  of  silver.] 

The  Boatman  {waving  aside  the  silver).  —  I  do  not 
want  silver,  but  I  would  crave  thy  blessing. 

Athanasius   {startled).  —  Doth    he    suspect?     {To    the 

94 


ATHANASIUS 

Boatman)   Dost  thou  indeed   care  for  the 
blessing  of  such  a  poor  wanderer  as  I  ? 

The  Boatman.  —  My  lord,  I  was  in  Alexandria  the 
glad  day  that  Pope  Athanasius  came  home 
from  Rome,  and  I  was  hoarse  for  a  month 
afterwards  from  shouting  "Welcome."  I 
humbly  crave  thy  blessing. 
[He  kneels  and  Athanasius  makes  over  him  the 
sign  of  the  Cross.      Then  he  rises  again.] 

Athanasius.  —  Now  thou  hast  my  life  in  thy  hands. 

The  Boatman.  —  I  would  to  God  it  were  alway  as  safe 
as  it  is  with  me.  Have  no  fear  of  me,  my 
lord.  See!  {With  a  sudden  movement  he 
throzvs  open  his  tunic,  and  the  word  *' Ho7no- 
ousion"  is  seen  on  his  breast^ 

Athanasius.  —  Homoousion !  How  dost  thou  under- 
stand this  Symbol.^ 

The  Boatman.  —  Why,  in  truth,  I  cannot  understand 
the  subtlety  of  it,  nor  follow  after  learned 
reasoning,  but  this  much  I  do  know,  that 
it  is  the  watchword  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
and  that  it  means  that  He  Whom  we  wor- 
ship is  indeed  Very  God  of  Very  God. 

Athanasius. — Thou  dost  understand  the  one  thing  need- 
ful.    God  keep  thee  ever  in  the  true  faith. 
95 


ATHANASIUS 

The  Boatman  {fastening  his  tunic  again).  —  Once  I 
found  in  the  Nile  the  body  of  a  man  who 
had  been  drowned,  and  as  I  buried  him 
and  said  a  prayer  over  him.,  I  thought, 
"Poor  fellow!  Who  knowst  whether  thou 
wert  Pagan  or  Christian,  Arian  or  Catholic  ? " 
And  when  next  I  was  in  Alexandria  I  had 
a  sailor  fellow  prick  this  watchword  on 
my  breast,  that  whether  I  be  alive  or  dead, 
all  men  may  know  that  I  worship  only 
Very  God. 
But  now  I  will  leave  thee  and  return  to  the 
river,  for  there  I  can  best  watch  to  see 
whether  thou  art  pursued.  If  there  is  sus- 
picion of  danger,  I  will  blow  one  blast  upon 
my  horn,  the  sound  of  which  carries  five 
miles,  but  if  all  is  safe  when  the  evening 
star  appears,  I  will  blow  three  blasts  and 
then  thou  mayst  go  to  rest  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  Fare  thee  well. 
[Exit  the  Boatman.] 

Jthanasius.  —  I  will  rest  awhile  beneath  this  tree 
before  I  venture  into  that  blazing  strip 
between  me  and  the  Chapel  of  the  Palms. 

96 


■GOD  KEEP  THEE  E\"ER  IX  THE  TRUE  FAITH" 


ATHANASIUS 

[He  seats  himself  under  the  palm  tree. 
Enter  Discouragement.     She   is  robed  in    black,  and 
carries  in  her  hand  a  veil.] 
Discouragement.  —  Now  is  the  hour  of  darkness  when 
the  powers  of  evil  have  large  sway.     Can 
I  not  throw  over  him  my  pall  and  make 
him  distrust  God?     {Vision  appears.)     Art 
thou  here,  mine  enemy? 
Vision.  —  I   am  here  at  God's  behest,   and   thou   at 

Satan's. 
Discouragement.  —  That    being    so    I    do    defy    thee ! 
Hath  discouragement  never  yet  broken  the 
wings  of  faith  ? 
Athanasius.  —  How  sweet  was  the  simple  faith  of  that 
poor  boatman ! 
[Discouragement  steps  forward  and  throws  over 
the  head  of  Athanasius  her  black  veil.] 
Athanasius.  —  And  yet  'tis  sad  to  think  I   might  so 
easily  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  one  less 
friendly.     A  frail  lamp  am  I  to  carry  the 
Church's  light.     {He  sighs  wearily.) 
Discouragement.  —  One  little  lamp  against  a  world  of 
darkness!     Thou  hast  been  over  confident. 
If  God   had   really  called   thee   to   defend 
the  Faith,  would  he  not  have  come  mightily 
97 


ATHANASIUS 

to  thine  aid?  When  He  called  Joshua, 
the  walls  of  Jericho  crumbled  to  dust; 
when  He  called  Moses,  the  Plagues  of 
Egypt  fought  for  him;  when  He  called 
David  from  the  sheep-cote,  Goliath  fell  dead 
at  his  feet;  but  thou  .  .  .  what  miracle 
helps  thee? 

Athanasius.  —  I  am  greatly  oppressed.  My  soul 
cleaveth  unto  the  dust! 

Discouragement. — Thou  wast  too  much  elated  at  Nicaea. 
Have  not  events  proved  that  the  Church 
only  triumphed  because  Constantine  up- 
held it?  How  long  did  Constantine  remain 
faithful?  Was  even  Hosius  faithful  unto 
death?  Did  the  Bishop  of  Imperial  Rome 
stand  firm? 

Athanasius.  —  How  are  the  mighty  fallen ! 

Discouragement.  —  Thou  art  alone  against  the  world, 
Athanasius.  Constantius  is  thine  implaca- 
ble enemy.  The  infamous  George  holds 
thy  See.  He  sits  on  the  throne  of  St. 
Mark,  and  thou  art  in  exile.  The  sheep  of 
thy  flock  are  oppressed  and  persecuted. 
Even  in  this  desert  may  often  be  heard 
their  hymns  as  they  pass  along  loaded 
98 


ATHANASIUS 

with  chains  to  the  remote  and  savage  place 
of  their  destination.  Many  of  them  bear 
the  scars  and  wounds  and  mutilations  which 
have  been  inflicted  upon  them  to  force  them 
to  blaspheme. 

Athanasius. — Alas  my  own  dear  flock!  Alas!  for 
that  your  shepherd  cannot  protect  you 
from  the  wolves. 

Discouragement.  —  The  Arians  have  forsaken  the  cove- 
nant of  Christ.  They  have  thrown  down 
his  altar  and  slain  his  servants  with  the 
sword,  and  thou,  only  thou  art  left,  and 
they  seek  thy  life  to  destroy  it. 

Athanasius.  —  It  is  enough,  O  Lord,  take  away  my 
life,  for  I  have  failed. 

Discouragement.  —  Aha !  See  how  low  I  have  brought 
him!     My  victory  is  won. 

Vision.  —  Lift  up  thine  eyes,  Athanasius,  unto  the 
hills  from  whence  cometh  thy  help. 

Athanasius  {lifts  his  head  and  looks  up).  —  My  help 
cometh  from  the  Lord  who  hath  made 
heaven  and  earth.  I  must  not  lose  heart, 
for  to  lose  heart  is  to  lose  faith,  and  to  lose 
faith  is  to  lose  all. 

Vision.  —  Yet  have  I  left  me  seven  thousand  in  Israel, 

99 


ATHANASIUS 

all  the  knees  which  have  not  bowed  unto 
Baal,  and  every  mouth  which  hath  not 
kissed  him. 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  that  is  true  to-day.  The  mass  of 
the  Christian  laity  is  still  sound  in  the  faith. ^ 
The  great  silent,  solid  body  of  Christian 
people  stand  firmly  on  the  facts,^  content 
that  the  mystery  should  be  above  their 
heads;  for  the  ears  of  the  people  are  holier 
than  the  hearts  of  the  priests.^  {He  looks 
up  at  the  tree  by  which  he  is  resting.)  Ah! 
friendly  palm,  almost  could  I  believe  thou 
art  a  juniper!  What  is  this  black  mist  that 
smothers  me .?  {Tears  the  veil  from  his  head.) 
Away,  away,  ye  black  bats  of  doubt!  {beating 
the  air  with  the  veil.)  I  have  let  you  flap 
your  wings  too  long.  O  Lord,  in  thee  have 
I  trusted,  let  me  never  be  confounded! 
[Discouragement  flies  from  the  scene.] 

Vision. — Gloria  in  excelsis  Deo!     Now,  Athanasius, 
lie  down  under  thy  juniper  tree  and  sleep 
while  I  prepare  refreshment  for  thee. 
[Athanasius  lies  down  and  sleeps;  Vision  walks  to 
the  opposite  side  of  the  stage  and  beckons.] 
^  Farrar.  ^  Du  Bose.  ^  Hilary. 

lOO 


ATHANASIUS 

Vision.  —  Come  hither,  my  Httle  ravens. 

[Enter  Ahra  and  Anihusa.      They  each  carry 
a  bundle  of  rushes^ 

Anthusa.  —  There  are  no  rushes  here,  Abra,  not  even 
any  stubble  or  drift  from  the  river. 

Abra.  — Thou  art  right  {looking  about  her).  We  have 
very  few  rushes  gathered,  and  no  fuel.  I 
fear  we  shall  be  chidden.  'Tis  my  fault, 
Anthusa,  for  I  made  thee  come  this  way. 

Anthusa.  —  Thou  art  in  a  strange  mood  to-day,  Abra, 
first  thou  wouldst  not  let  me  eat  my  dinner, 
and  then  we  must  needs  come  this  new  and 
uncertain  way. 

Abra.  —  Yes,  some  power  outside  of  myself  has  com- 
pelled me  all  day.  "  I  had  the  feeling  that 
we  might  find  some  hungry  traveler,  and 
so  I  persuaded  thee  to  save  our  dinner. 
'Twould  be  passing  sweet  to  feed  a  hungry 
traveler,  would  it  not.?  And  then  I  have 
had  all  day  the  feeling  that  we  should  find 
something  of  value  by  traveling  to  the 
South. 

Anthusa.  —  Well,  we're  not  like  to  .  .  .  {Sees  Athan- 
asius.)  Look,  Abra,  there  is  a  traveler 
sleeping  under  that  tree. 

lOI 


ATHANASIUS 

Abra.  —  Why!  so  it  is.     Oh!  Anthusa,  haply  he  is  our 

hungry  traveler!     Let  us  creep  up  and  lay 

our  cruse  of  water  and  our  bread  and  dates 

where  he  will  see  them  when  he  wakes. 
[They  do  as  she  says,  a7id  then  retire  and  zvait.] 
Vision    {touches   Athanasius   on    the  shoulder). — Arise 

and  eat. 
Athanasius  (sits  up  and  sees  the  food).  —  Is  this   indeed 

the  juniper  tree  ?    {Sees  the  little  maids.)    Ah ! 

these  are  the  ministering  spirits  who  have 

brought  me  food. 
Ahra.  —  Yes,  good  Traveler,  pray  thee,  eat  and  drink. 
Athanasius. — And  so  I  will  vv'ith  grateful  heart;    but 

draw  near  and  tell  me  who  you  are  and  how 

you  found  me  here. 
Ahra.  —  We  are  virgins  from  the  Laura  of  St.  Anthony, 

and  we  have  been  gathering  rushes  for  our 

mat-weaving. 
Anthusa.  —  We  kept  our  dinner  because  this  dear  Abra 

thought  we  might  meet  a  hungry  traveler. 
Athanasius.  —  And  so  you  did,  but  will  ye  not  draw 

near  and  share  with  me  this  food,  there  is 

abundance  for  all. 
Ahra.  —  Not  so,  we  are  not  hungry,  besides,  it  is  too 

near  sundown  when  our  fast  begins. 
1 02 


ATHANASIUS 

Athanasius. — A  fast  to-morrow!  The  day  is  not  in 
our  Calendar.     Is  it  a  special  fast? 

Abra.  —  Yes,  we  have  a  fast  to  pray  for  our  blessed 
Pope. 

Athanasius.  —  To  pray  for  Pope  Athanasius  ? 

Abra.  —  Yes,  hast  thou  not  heard  ?  He  is  again  in 
exile,  flying  from  the  fierceness  of  his  enemies. 

Athanasius.  —  Truly  the  Lord  is  on  my  side,  I  will 
not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me. 

Abra  {to  A^ithusa). — Thou  seest  he  is  a  godly  man. 
Art  thou  not  glad  he  hath  our  dinner.^ 
{To  Athanasius)  But,  good  Sir,  hast  thou 
ever  been  in  Alexandria.? 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  I  have  traveled  far  and  wide,  and 
I  have  been  in  Alexandria. 

Abra.  —  Perchance  thou  hast  been  in  Alexandria  when 
Athanasius  was  there? 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  when  I  was  in  Alexandria,  Atha- 
nasius was  there. 

Anthusa  {with  excitement).  — Then  thou  hast  seen  him? 

Athanasius.  —  The  time  I  best  saw  his  face  was  not 
in  Alexandria,  but  in  traveling  through  a 
wood.  I  came  to  a  crystal  pool,  deep  and 
still,  and  when  I  stooped  over  it  to  quench 
my  thirst,  I  clearly  beheld  Athanasius. 


ATHANASIUS 

Anthusa.  —  How,  was  he  in  the  water? 
Abra.  —  Hush,  Anthusa,  rise  up  quickly,  this  is  the 
Pope. 
[They  make  him  a  low  reverence^  then  kneel  to 
receive  his  blessing.] 
Athanasius.  —  And  now,  my  httle  maids,  lead  on,  I 
would  like  to  reach  the  Chapel  of  the  Palms 
in  time  for  prayers. 
\Ahra   picks   up   the   wallet^   and  they    all   go 
of  the  stage.] 
Curtain. 

Scene  H. — [The  Chapel  of  the  Palms.  Two  tall 
palms  near  together.  Between  them  a  rude  altar. 
The  spring  is  indicated  by  a  ledge  of  stone  on 
which  rests  a  shell.  Grass  and  a  few  shrubs  about  the 
spring.  In  the  far  distance  the  Nitrian  Mountains 
and  the  silver  thread  of  the  Nile. 
Voices  behind  the  scenes  chant  the  De  Profundis.  Enter 
the  monks  and  nuns  still  singing.  At  the  end  of  the 
procession,  St.  Anthony,  supported  by  two  monks. 
Following  these,  two  other  monks  carry  his  chair  and 
his  sheepskin  robe.  They  put  the  chair  in  place,  spread 
over  it  the  sheepskin,  and  St.  Anthony  is  seated.  He 
leans  back  very  much  exhausted.] 

104 


ATHANASIUS 

Isidore.  —  Bring  water. 

[One  oj  the  nuns  brings  water  from  the  spring 
in  a  shell,  another  fans  him.] 

Isidore.  —  He  should  not  have  tried  to  walk. 

Ammonius.  —  No,   he  grows  weaker  every   day;    we 
shall  not  long  have  him  with  us. 
[St.  Anthony  sits  up  and  speaks,  at  first  weakly,  and 
with    short    breath,   gradually   he    recovers,    and   talks 
more  easily.] 

St.  Anthony.  —  My  children,  my  own  dear  children, 
last  night  a  beautiful  angel  of  death  stood 
by  my  bed.  I  joyfully  held  out  my  weak 
arms,  but  he  shook  his  head:  "Not  yet, 
Anthony,  not  yet;  soon  I  will  come  for 
thy  soul,  but  thou  hast  one  thing  more  to 
do  on  earth  for  thy  brethren."  So  when  I 
awoke  this  morning,  I  knew  what  I  had  yet 
to  do.  I  have  had  word  from  Alexandria. 
Alas!  Alas!  The  city  is  given  up  to  the 
fury  of  the  Arians.  Once  more  the  faith- 
ful are  in  sore  tribulation.  On  the  Sunday 
after  Pentecost  there  was  another  massacre. 
Church  virgins  and  matrons  were  scourged 
to  death  to  make  them  blaspheme.  Sixteen 
bishops  have  been  driven  from  their  sees. 


ATHANASIUS 

The  clergy  are  not  allowed  to  visit  the  sick, 
nor  to  baptize. 
Ye  know  that  since  February  Athanasius 
hath  been  in  hiding  near  the  city  that 
he  might  in  secret  still  minister  to  his 
flock.  But  now  in  the  fierce  search  for 
him  the  houses  of  Christians  are  sacked, 
even  the  very  tombs  are  desecrated,  and 
so  he  is  compelled  to  fly  into  the  desert, 
but  no  one  knows  just  where  he  is.  Oh 
my  poor  Archbishop!  Oh  my  poor  faith- 
ful brethren! 

Ammonius.  —  What  can  we  do  for  them  here  in  the 
wilderness ! 

St.  Anthony.  —  My  children,  have  we  not  learned  to 
pray.^  Why  else  have  we  passed  long  years 
on  the  edge  of  this  vast  wilderness.''  What 
other  meaning  have  our  vigils  under  the 
quiet  stars?  I  have  called  you  together, 
perhaps  for  the  last  time,  that  we  may  with 
tears  and  fasting  supplicate  God  for  the 
persecuted  Church  of  Alexandria,  and  for 
the  hunted  exile,  our  best  beloved  bishop, 
our  own  sweet  Athanasius. 

Isidore.  —  Our   hearts   overflow   with   love   and    com- 

io6 


ATHANASIUS 

passion,   lead   thou   us  on   and   up   to   the 
throne  of  God. 

[A bra  rushes  in  excitedly.] 
Abra. — Tidings!     Tidings!     Oh,  such  tidings  have  I! 
A^nmonius.  —  Thou  must  indeed  have  tidings  of  im- 
portance to  break  thus  into  our  worship. 
St.  Anthony. — Tell,  little  Abra,  what  tidings  hast  thou 

brought.'^ 
Abra.  —  He  is  here. 

The  Monks  and  Nuns  {excitedly).  —  Who?     Not  the 
Bishop! 
Abra.  —  Yes,  Athanasius,  our  own  blessed  Pope.     He 
comes    with    Anthusa.     See,    this    is    his 
wallet. 
St.  Antho7iy.  —  Help  me  to  my  feet. 

[Enter  Athanasius  and  Anthusa.     Athanasius  hastens 
to   Anthony   and    takes   him   in   his    arms.     Anthony 
sinks  down  again  upon  his  seat.] 
Athanasius. — Art  thou  ill,  my  Father.? 
St.  Anthony.  —  With  thee  at  hand .?     No,  Athanasius, 
but  I  am  very  old,  one  hundred  and  five 
years  old,  my  son. 
[Athanasius  turns  and  sees  the  others,  takes  Ammo- 
nius  and  Isidore  by  the  hand.] 
Athanasius.  —  Are  ye  then  here,  Isidore  and  Ammonius, 

107 


ATHANASIUS 

to  share  my  exile  as  ye  did  in  Rome  ?     And 
thou,     Eudaemonis,     I     heard     that    thou 
hadst  fled,  but  I   thought  that  thou  wast 
in  Tabenne. 
[He  takes  the  hand  of  one  after  the  other.     They  all 
greet  him  with  warmth.     Some  take  up  the  hem  of  his 
robe  and  kiss  it,  others  kiss  his  hand.] 
St.  Jnthony.  —  Come  hither,  Athanasius,  these  have 
many  days  in  which  to  see  thee;    haply  I 
have  but  this  one. 
[Athanasius  seats  himself  at  the  feet  of  Anthony,  hold- 
ing his  hand.     The  monks  and  nuns  group  themselves 
around,  some  sitting  on  the  ground,  others  standing^ 
St.  Anthony  {regarding  Athanasius  with  great  tenderness 
and  delight) .  —  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy 
servant   depart  in  peace!     O,  my  son,  thou 
hast  made  glad  the  wilderness  and  the  soli- 
tary place.     Thou  hast  made  the  desert  to 
rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose! 
Athanasius.  —  It  is  sweet  to  see  thy  face  again  after 

many  days. 
St.  Anthony.  —  Here  is  the  sheepskin  coat  thou  gavest 
me.     {Shows  the  edge  of  it.)     Thou  art   to 
have  it  again  when  I  am  gone.     Thou  shalt 
soon  have  it,  Athanasius. 
1 08 


ATHANASIUS 

Athanasius.  —  In  these  troublous  times  one  could 
easily  envy  thee  that  thy  pilgrimage  is 
so  nearly  finished.  To  depart  and  be  with 
Christ!  The  very  thought  brings  rest  and 
peace. 

St.  Anthony.  —  Yes,  I  am  putting  off  my  armour,  and 
thou  art  still  in  the  hottest  of  the  fray. 
But  now  we  have  a  quiet  hour,  so  tell  me 
all  that  I  have  longed  to  know.  I  have 
watched  from  afar  the  long  tragedy  of  thy 
life  since  thou  wast  raised  to  the  throne  of 
St.  Mark.  Tell  us  now  more  of  these 
things,  for  well  I  know  that  we  shall  hear 
nothing  which  does  not  become  a  wise  man 
to  do  and  a  righteous  to  suffer. ^  Wast 
thou  with  Bishop  Alexander  when  he  died? 

Athanasius.  —  Alas !  no.  I  was  absent  from  Alex- 
andria on  an  errand  of  his  own,  and  not, 
as  has  been  said,  in  hiding  to  evade  the 
bishopric,  for  I  never  either  shunned  or 
sought  it.  It  came  to  me  by  the  suffrage 
of  the  whole  people,  and  I  was  consecrated 

^''Only  in  Athanasius  there  was  nothing  observed,  throughout 
the  course  of  that  long  tragedy,  other  than  such  as  very  well 
became  a  wise  man  to  do  and  a  righteous  to  suffer."  —  Hooker: 
Eccl.  Pol.  (quoted  by  Bright). 

109 


ATHANASIUS 

in  a  manner  both  apostolic  and  spiritual. 
Those  first  years  of  mine  episcopate  were 
peaceful  and  quiet.  God  gave  them  to 
me  that  I  might  edify  the  Church  and 
carry  the  good  news  of  God  to  those  who 
dwell  in  darkness.  Thou  hast  heard  how 
Frumentius  kindled  in  Ethiopia  the  splen- 
dour of  the  light  of  Christ.? 

St.  Anthony.  —  Yes,  the  field  of  Ethiopia  was  white 
to  harvest,  and  thine  Apostle  gathered  in 
a  goodly  sheaf. 

Athanasius.  —  Those  were  my  halcyon  days ! 

St.  Anthony.  —  When  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  bringeth 
calm  to  this  stormy  sea,  thy  halcyon  will 
return. 

Athanasius  {assents  with  a  smile). — Then  the  clouds 
began  to  gather.  Eusebius  of  Nicomedia 
led  the  onslaught  and  hatched  out  each 
baneful  plot.^  I  will  not  weary  you  with 
the  accusations  and  calumnies  wherewith 
the  Atheists  sought  to  compass  my  ruin, 
nor  with  the  infamies  of  the  Council  of  Tyre. 

^  It  seems  best  still  to  speak  of  him  as  Eusebius  of  Nicomedia, 
though  he  was  dead  at  this  time  and  had  been  Bishop  of  Con- 
stantinople before  he  died. 

IIO 


ATHANASIUS 

Ammonius.  —  We  have  heard  how  Ischyras  confessed 
his  perjuries  against  thee. 

Isidore.  —  Yes,  and  we  heard  how  thou  didst  show 
them  Arsenias  aUve  and  possessed  of  his 
two  hands. 

Athanasius  {smiling).  —  I  had  him  wrapped  in  a 
mantle  until  they  had  proved  that  I  had 
killed  him;  then  at  my  bidding  he  held 
out  first  his  right  hand,  and  then  his 
left.  "Where  grew  the  hand  that  I  cut 
off  to  use  for  magic?"  I  asked  them.  "God 
hath  created  men  with  two  hands  only." 
Still  they  condemned  me,  and  so  I  took 
shipping  and  came  to  Constantinople,  and 
there  acquitted  myself  of  all  their  charges 
before  the  Emperour.  Then  Satan  himself 
came  to  help  their  cunning  with  his  own. 
They  trumped  up  the  charge  that  I  had 
threatened  to  hold  back  the  corn  ships 
on  which  New  Rome  depends  for  her 
supply,  so  Constantine,  harried  and  impa- 
tient of  all  the  turmoil,  cut  the  knot  and 
banished  me  to  Treves. 

Ammonius.  — Alas,  that  is  a  barbarous  place,  is  it  not.? 

Athanasius  {smiling).  —  If    so,    good    Ammonius,   the 

III 


ATHANASIUS 

barbarous  people  showed  me  no  little  kind- 
ness. But  in  truth,  Treves  is  a  stately 
city,  on  the  banks  of  the  Moselle  in  whose 
gently  gliding  waters  her  beautiful  build- 
ings are  mirrored  in  dreamlike  loveliness. 
The  Romans  have  made  it  a  safe  and  pleas- 
ant place  to  live.  In  Maximin,  the  Bishop, 
I  found  a  faithful  friend  and  beloved  com- 
panion. I  had  leisure  to  rest  and  meditate, 
and  I  was  allowed  to  write  to  my  friends 
in  Alexandria  {with  a  sviile),  though,  'tis  true, 
my  letters  were  sometimes  intercepted. 
Another  companion  I  had  there,  and  thou 
wouldst  remember  him,  Isidore,  he  was  a 
comrade  of  our  boyish  days,  Cornelius. 

Isidore.  —  Cornelius!  Is't  indeed  so.''  I  have  not 
heard  of  him  for  many  years. 

Athanasius.  —  He  commands  a  legion,  and  hath  his 
quarters  in  the  Porta  Martis,  the  city 
gate  that  is  more  like  a  vast  fortress  than 
a  gate.  Here  I  often  visited  him.  He  is 
a  brave  Roman  and  a  loyal  soldier  of  Christ. 
When  we  first  met  he  said,  "Tell  me, 
Athanasius,  if  thou  canst,  what  is  all  this 
trouble    about?     Every    tongue    seems    to 

112 


ATHANASIUS 

prate  of  some  formula  that  I  cannot  under- 
stand. What  have  these  hard,  unintelh- 
gible  words  to  do  with  the  rehgion  of  Christ 
which  we  learned  together  from  Bishop 
Alexander,  in  the  dear  seaside  room  of 
the  Patriarcheion? 

St.  Anthony.  —  So  has  it  seemed  to  many  simple  souls 
who  have  not  discerned  the  subtle  heresy, 
and  who  do  not  see  the  region  of  outer 
darkness  to  which  it  leads.  What  didst 
thou  answer  him,  Athanasius? 

Athanasius.  —  Cornelius,  I  said,  let  me  ask  of  thee  one 
question:  What  thinkest  thou  of  Christ, 
whose  Son  is  He?  And  he  drew  himself 
up  to  his  full,  splendid  height  and  said, 
**He  is  the  Son  of  the  living  God,  and  He 
is  my  Saviour,  and  my  Lord  and  my  God/* 
Then  I  said,  "That  is  all  there  is  to  under- 
stand, Cornelius,  the  question  is  one  of 
simple  loyalty  to  Christ  as  God."  So  then 
he  heaved  a  great  sigh  of  relief  and  said, 
"Why,  loyalty  is  an  easy  thing,  it  is  the 
business  of  a  soldier's  life,  and  loyalty 
to  Christ  as  God  shall  be  henceforth  the 
business  of  my  life. 
113 


ATHANASIUS 

St.  Anthony.  —  Happy  he  who  is  mute  when  men 
discuss  thy  generation,  but  ringing  as  a 
trumpet  when  they  adore  it!  Happy  they 
who  know  how  difficult  it  is  to  understand, 
how  sweet  to  praise  Thee !  ^  {After  a  pause) 
We  received  here  in  the  desert  thy  festal 
epistle  from  Treves,  and  we  kept  the  feast 
of  the  resurrection  with  thee  in  spirit,  being 
greatly  cheered  and  strengthened  by  thy 
words  of  courage,  and  by  the  joyousness 
of  thine  unconquerable  hope.  Then  we 
heard  that  Constantine  had  died  at  Pente- 
cost, and  then  that  his  eldest  son  befriended 
thee  and  secured  from  his  brothers  their 
consent  to  thy  return. 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  and  how  sweet  was  the  welcome  of 
my  dear  flock;  how  comforting  the  love 
of  my  faithful  clergy!  The  days  that 
followed  were  like  an  oasis  in  the  sandy 
wastes  of  my  long  exiles. 

Ammonius  {mournfully) .  —  Thou  wast  not  long  in 
the  oasis,  dear  Father,  for  when  the  second 
Constantine  was  killed,  Constantius  no 
longer  concealed  his  implacable  enmity. 
^  Eaphraem  Syrus  (quoted  by  Farrar). 
114 


ATHANASIUS 

Thou  wast  soon  banished  again,  and  we 
went  with  thee. 

Athanasius.  —  Yes,  but  we  were  not  saddened  by 
temporal  adversity,  nor  frightened  because 
the  world  is  at  enmity  with  God.  Our 
Lord  and  Saviour  had  worse  to  bear.  Let 
no  one  doubt  but  that  in  the  end  we  shall 
be  victorious,  for  we  can  do  all  things 
through  Christ  who  strengtheneth  us.  There 
were  pleasant  times  in  Rome,  Ammonius^ 
even  for  us  poor  exiles.  How  gracious 
was  the  kindness  of  Julius,  the  good  Pope 
of  the  West.  How  grand  and  beautiful 
was  the  great  city  itself  whose  build- 
ings are  "the  stone  pages  of  its  own 
history." 

Isidore  (slyly). — Ammonius  would  not  look  at  any 
of  the  buildings  of  the  seven-hilled  city, 
except  the  Church  of  St.  Peter  and  St. 
Paul. 

Ammonius.  —  No,  they  interested  me  not.  What 
have  we  to  do  with  the  things  of  this  world .? 
But  this  is  where  I  see  the  finger  of  God 
in  our  exile  to  Rome.  I  believe  that  the 
Church  of  the  West  will  always  be  stronger 
IIS 


ATHANASIUS 

in  the  Faith  and  more  firmly  orthodox 
because  of  the  sojourn  there  of  our  great 
Bishop. 

Isidore.  — Yes,  and  through  our  visit  their  interest  in 
the  monastic  Hfe  was  first  aroused. 

Athanasius.  —  God  be  praised  if  we  have  been  per- 
mitted to  help  the  Church  of  the  West, 
but  I  do  not  forget  where  I  was  helped  and 
strengthened  by  our  brethren  in  Rome. 

Ammonius.  —  Dear  Father,  how  could  anyone,  espe- 
cially a  Roman,  add  aught  to  thee.?  Art 
thou  not  the  head  of  the  world  .^^ 

Athanasius.  —  I  learned  very  much  by  observing  their 
calm  and  practical  turn  of  mind,  and  con- 
trasting it  with  our  philosophic  subtlety 
and  logical  acuteness.  They  would  not 
easily  be  led  into  fantastic  speculations 
and  novel  theories. ^ 

Ammonius  {gloomily).  —  Liberius,  the  Bishop  of  Rome, 
apostatized,  and  Hosius  of  Cordova  signed 
an  Arian  Creed. 

Athanasius.  —  The  crime  rests  not  with  those  who  were 

^The  head  of  the  Alexandrian  Church  was,  according  to  St. 
Greg.  Naz.,  "The  head  of  the  world." 

^  For  the  results  of  the  visit  of  Athanasius  to  Rome,  see  R. 
Wheler  Bush:   St.  Athanasius. 

ii6 


ATHANASIUS 

terrified,  but  with  those  who  slowly  tor- 
tured them  into  guilty  acquiescence.  The 
head  of  Hosius  was  white  with  the  snows 
of  an  hundred  winters  when  he  signed  the 
Sirmian  Blasphemy.  Anathema  to  thee, 
O  Arian  perfidy! 

The  Monks  and  Nuns.  — Anathema! 

St.  Anthony.  —  Let  us  leave  these  thoughts  of  sadness, 
and  talk  of  the  day  when  Pope  Athanasius 
came  home. 

Eudamonis.  —  I  was  in  Alexandria,  and  saw  that  day 
of  gladness. 

St.  Anthony.  —  Then  show  it  now  to  us,  Eudaemonis. 

Eudcemonis.  — The  exulting  Church  and  people  went 
forth  to  meet  him  in  such  vast  multitudes 
that  it  was  like  another  Nile.^  Each  trade 
and  profession  marched  in  its  own  place. 
Branches  of  trees  were  waved  on  high, 
rich  carpets  were  spread  for  the  beloved 
feet.  Every  inch  of  rising  ground  was 
covered  by  crowds  anxious  to  catch  sight 
of  his  face.  The  air  was  rent  with  plaudits 
and  shouts  of  welcome.  What  banquets 
were    spread    for    him!     What    clouds    of 

*Greg.  Naz.:  Panegyric. 
117 


ATHANASIUS 

sweet    incense    filled    the    streets!     What 
illuminations  turned  night  into  day! 

Athanasius.  —  Nine  years  had  passed  since  the  poor 
wandering  Bishop  had  seen  his  flock.  Dear, 
faithful  flock  who  had  stood  firm  through 
all  calamities  and  cruelties  with  which  the 
malice  of  the  persecutors  had  afflicted  them. 

Eudcsmonis .  —  And  how  good  was  our  Bishop  towards 
his  opponents!  How  earnestly  he  strove 
to  unite  everyone  in  the  bonds  of  peace 
and  of  mutual  affection!  What  happy 
days  for  the  Church!  The  hungry  and 
orphans  were  sheltered  and  maintained. 
Each  family  and  house  seemed  to  become  a 
church  for  the  love  of  holiness  of  their  mem- 
bers and  their  prayers  towards  God,  Thrice 
happy  the  people  who  have  such  a  teacher 
and  pastor  to  lead  them  in  the  way. 

Athanasius.  —  Nay,  Eudaemonis,  if  thou  wilt  laud 
me  to  my  face,  I  must  needs  tell  how  at 
the  risk  of  thy  life  thou  didst  save  thy 
Bishop  on  the  night  when  Syrianus  and  his 
five  thousand  soldiers  burst  upon  us  all 
while  we  were  at  our  vigil  in  the  Church 
of  St.  Theonas. 

ii8 


ATHANASIUS 

Eudczmonis.  —  That  was  a  fearful  night.  In  the 
lampHght  we  saw  the  flash  of  arms,  while 
the  church  filled  with  the  shouting  sol- 
diery. Many  were  wounded  by  arrows  and 
trampled  to  death.  The  virgins  huddled 
together  in  agonies  of  fright,  but  the  Arch- 
bishop sat  calmly  on  his  throne  and  recited 
with  his  clergy  a  psalm  of  praise.^ 

Aihanasius.  —  But  as  soon  as  my  people  had  escaped 
from  the  church,  I  yielded  to  my  clergy 
and  they  hurried  me  out  into  the  winter 
night.  'Twas  then,  Eudaemonis,  that  thou 
didst  hide  me  in  thy  chamber  and  bring 
me  food  until  I  could  escape  out  of  the  city. 

Eudcsmonis .  —  Thank  God  that  thou  art  here  and  in 
safety! 

Isidore.  —  Yes,  thou  art  safe,  my  Bishop,  among  the 
monks  and  hermits.  Thou  hast  countless 
friends  who  would  give  their  lives  for  thee. 
No  foot  of  Arian  bishop  can  follow  thee 
to  the  Nitrian  Mountains.  No  Manichean 
duke  can  find  thee  in  this  wilderness  of 
cells.  From  laura  to  laura  and  from 
hermitage    to    hermitage   we    can    convey 

*  Farrar. 
119 


ATHANASIUS 

thee  secretly  and  swiftly.  A  boat  on  the 
Nile  or  a  mule  on  the  desert  sand  leaves 
no  track.* 

Ammonius.  —  And  from  the  Egyptian  Desert  thou 
canst  govern  and  care  for  thy  flock.  Isidore 
and  I  will  bear  thy  messages  to  Alexandria 
and  throughout  the  Patriarchate. 

Athanasius.  —  Ye  are  right,  dear  friends,  I  will  abide 
with  you  until  this  tyranny  be  overpast. 
I  will  be  one  of  you,  wear  your  habit,  share 
your  fasts  and  vigils  and  your  prayers,  and 
I  will  employ  such  leisure  as  I  have  in  writ- 
ing for  the  defence  of  the  Faith. 
{The  sound  of  a  horn  is  heard,  three  blasts. 
Isidore  and  Ammonius  start  to  their  feet.] 

Athanasius.  —  Fear  not,  that  is  a  signal  of  safety.  My 
boatman  promised  that  when  the  evening 
star  appeared,  if  all  were  quiet  on  the  Nile, 
he  would  blow  three  times  that  we  might 
go  to  our  rest  in  the  name  of  the  Blessed 
Trinity.  See,  there  is  the  evening  star, 
we  must  linger  no  more  if  we  would  come 
to  our  Eucharist  in  the  morning  with  spirits 
joyful  and  refreshed. 

^  Farrar. 
1 20 


ATHANASIUS 

St.  Anthony.  —  And  if  Anthony,  the  aged,  be  not  with 
you  for  that  sweet  feast,  know  that  he  prays 
for  you  in  Paradise. 
Athanasius.  —  Whether  here  or  there,  we  are  all  one 
in  Christ  forever   more.     And  now,  before 
we  separate  for  the  night,  shall  we  not  lift 
our  hearts  in  praise  to  Him  Whom  having 
not  seen,  we  love.f* 
They  all  sing  '' A  Hymn  to  Christ  as  God." ^ 
Thou  art  the  King  of  Glory:  O  Christ, 
Thou  of  the  Father  the  everlasting  Son. 
When  thou  hadst  overcome  the  sharpness  of  death 
Thou  didst  open  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
Thou  didst  open  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
Thou  didst  open  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven 
To  all  who  believe. 

Amen. 
{Curtain^ 

^  For  the  interesting  suggestion  that  the  Rex  gloriae  Christe 
was  the  core  around  which  the  Te  Deum  grew  up  into  what  it  is, 
and  that  it  may  have  been  the  identical  "Hymn  to  Christ  as  God" 
of  PHny's  Christians,  see  Dr.  Huntington's  Lecture  on  the  Te 
Deum  in  Lauda  Sion.     (Church  Club  Lectures  for  1896). 


121 


I 


DATE  DUE 

GAYLORD 

PRINTED  IN  US    A 

I 


UC  SOUTHERN  RF'^,'":',.". 


AA      000  274  522    2 


